He's most noted for taking the regional Oregon Symphony and making it into a world-class organization.

NPR: Conductor James DePreist

"We are talking about a man with an international career, who achieved many things on international stages, " Oregon Symphony conductor Carlos Kalmar said.

WSJ: Conductor, Juilliard emeritus James DePreist dies

He was the Oregon Symphony's music director from 1980 until 2003, transforming it from a small, part-time group into a full-time nationally recognized orchestra with 17 recordings.

WSJ: Conductor, Juilliard emeritus James DePreist dies