Professor emeritus of music and longtime Bay Area conductor Sandor Salgo passed away on Jan. 20 at the age of 97. Having taught dozens of music appreciation and performance classes at Stanford for more than 25 years, Salgo was awarded the Dinkenspiel Award in 1974 for his contributions to undergraduate education.

A Hungarian emigre educated in the violin and conducting in Budapest, Berlin and Dresden, Salgo was the conductor for Dinkenspiel Auditorium’s first musical performance in 1957. He also served as the Carmel Bach Festival’s music director from 1956 to 1991 and introduced a number of musical works to the Stanford community and greater Bay Area.

Described by his family and peers as a passionate and affectionate individual, Salgo has left an indelible mark on the Stanford community. He is survived by his wife, Priscilla, his daughter and two grandchildren.