One of the greatest conductors and composers of all time, Gustav Mahler was a son of Jewish peddler. Mahler started his music education at the Vienna Conservatory. Mahler’s enormous talent as a conductor brought him important posts in Budapest, Hamburg and at the Vienna State Opera. Due to the unfair treatment by the management of the Theatre and the press, Mahler was forced to resign his position in 1907. Mahler was immediately appointed music director of the New York Philharmonic, a position he held until his death. As a composer, Mahler has been considered as one of the world’s greatest symphonists.