Klauspeter Seibel, the first music director of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (1995-2004) died Saturday of multiple myeloma in Hamburg, Germany. He was 74.

He loved New Orleans and celebrated a wedding anniversary at the Ursuline Convent, just blocks from his home on Ursulines Street. His “Beethoven and Blue Jeans” series were memorable, not only to witness the maestro without his white tie and tails but to hear him talk to the audience about the music he would conduct. These talks allowed the audience to fully appreciate what they were about to hear and created a less formal atmosphere, as if the audience and the maestro were having a personal conversation.

Seibel brought to New Orleans a repertoire that was seldom heard. The programing of many of Mahler’s symphonies, costly to perform because of the large forces required, will continue to be among the historic highlights of the LPO.

His recorded legacy is equally exciting and rare: The only recording of Korngold’s opera “Der Ring des Polykrates,” Schillings’ “Mona Lisa” and Lehar’s symphonic music.

Seibel not only conducted but played the piano, flute and French horn.

Loyola University gave him an honorary doctor of music degree in 2008.

Survivors include his wife, Hanna Seibel, a son and two daughters. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.