Leading Russian conductor Mark Ermler, 69, died in Seoul yesterday
   after collapsing during a rehearsal for a concert by the Seoul
   Philharmonic Orchestra.  Ermler was associated with the Bolshoi
   theatre and opera throughout his career and was its musical director
   until 2000.  He became chief conductor of the Seoul Philharmonic in
   May 2000.

   Ermler collapsed during a rehearsal on Thursday for a concert the
   following night.  He died in hospital early Sunday from kidney failure,
   medical officials said.

   Born and educated in Leningrad, Ermler began playing the piano at
   five and was soon spotted by the Leningrad Conservatoire where he
   studied conducting and piano.

   He made his debut with the Leningrad Philharmonic while still a
   student and his debut at the Bolshoi Opera in 1957 in Cavalleria
   Rusticana and with the Bolshoi Ballet orchestra in 1964.

   He toured with the Bolshoi Company throughout Europe, North America
   and Asia and also appeared with all the major symphony orchestras of
   Russia while guesting and recording with other major international
   orchestras, including the London Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, Tokyo
   Symphony, Japan Philharmonic and many others.

    From "The Korea Times" 2002/04/14

Hi-Do Shin
Seoul, Korea