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Herbert Blomstedt, the world's oldest active conductor, died on November 4 at his home in Gothenburg, Sweden, at age 99, Yonhap reports, citing his management company via AP. Born in 1927 in Massachusetts to Swedish missionary parents, he debuted in 1954 conducting the Stockholm Philharmonic and led the Dresden Staatskapelle (1975–1985), San Francisco Symphony (1985–1995), and Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra (1998–2005), according to Chosun Ilbo. He was known for meticulous research and respect for composers' intentions, and conducted the San Francisco Symphony as recently as May 15 this year, Donga Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo report. Korean outlets mourn the loss of a 'maestro' who called music 'a journey to the best place of the soul,' with Kyunghyang Shinmun noting he died at his Swedish residence.