“Milton Katims, a central figure in Seattle’s musical life for nearly a quarter of a century, died Monday. He was 96… As music director of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra from 1954 to 1976, he helped transform a part-time, modestly professional orchestra into a major regional ensemble that became a symbol of pride for the city… In addition, Katims was a nationally recognized violist, who continued to perform and record in conjunction with his conducting.”