Gerard Schwarz is an American conductor and former radio host. Born on February 19, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, Schwarz grew up in a family of Jewish immigrants from Poland. He began his musical journey by learning to play the clarinet at the age of 6. Schwarz attended the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music and later earned his Master's degree in conducting from the Aspen Music Festival and School.

Throughout his distinguished career, Schwarz has performed with numerous renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the San Francisco Symphony. He has also served as the music director of the Seattle Symphony and the Richmond Symphony. Schwarz's repertoire spans over 100 orchestral works, including symphonies, concertos, and chamber music.

In addition to his conducting career, Schwarz has made significant contributions to classical music broadcasting. He hosted the 'Performance Today' program on National Public Radio (NPR) from 2001 to 2014, showcasing diverse classical music repertoire to a wider audience. Schwarz has been recognized for his tireless advocacy of classical music, receiving several awards, including the National Medal of Arts and the Grammy Award for Best Classical Album.

Schwarz's passion for music education has led him to establish the Gerard Schwarz Conducting Institute, a program that provides young conductors with training and mentorship. He continues to be active in the classical music scene, inspiring new generations of musicians and music lovers alike.