About José Iturbi
José Iturbi Báguena (28 November 1895 – 28 June 1980) was a Spanish conductor, pianist, harpsichordist and actor. He also appeared in several Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical films including Thousands Cheer (1943), Music for Millions (1944), Anchors Aweigh (1945), That Midnight Kiss (1949), and Three Daring Daughters (1948), his only leading role. == Biography == Born in Valencia, Spain, Iturbi showed a talent for classical music at an early age, and began musical studies there. He later moved to Paris in order to proceed with his studies with Victor Staub at the Paris Conservatory on a scholarship from the Diputació de Valencia. At this time, he also undertook studies in keyboard technique and interpretation with the harpsichordist Wanda Landowska. His worldwide concert tours, beginning around 1912, were very successful. He made his American debut in New York City in 1929. Between 1911 and 1937, Iturbi was the frequent accompanist to the Spanish violinist Manuel Quiroga on his international tours. On June 8, 1937, Iturbi had just said goodbye to the violinist after accompanying him at a concert in New York City when Quiroga was struck and severely injured by a truck in Times Square, which led to the premature end of his career. In 1933, Iturbi made his first appearance as a conductor in Mexico City when presented by impresario Ernesto de Quesada from Conciertos Daniel.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.