José Iturbi

Pianist

Birthday November 28, 1895

Birth Sign Sagittarius

Birthplace Spain

DEATH DATE Jun 28, 1980 (84)

#257,011 Most Popular

About

Musician and performer known for appearing in Anchors Aweigh, Thousands Cheer, and several other 1940s MGM musicals.

Before Fame

He was Spanish violinist Manuel Quiroga's accompanist on international tours from 1911 until 1937.

Trivia

His memory was honored through the José Iturbi Foundation and two music competitions, the Valencia International Piano Competition Prize Iturbi and the José Iturbi International Music Competition.

Family Life

He and María Giner de los Santos were married in 1916. They had a daughter, also named María. His wife passed in 1928.

Associated With

He was referenced in the bestselling novel Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth in which a young pianist is dubbed José Iturbi the Second.