Eugene Ormandy was a conductor and composer who was the music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1936 to 1980. He was known for his interpretations of the works of Brahms, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky, as well as his own compositions. He was also a prolific recording artist, having made over 500 recordings with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Ormandy was awarded numerous honors during his lifetime, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977.