Respected interpreter of classical composers who was known for leading Berlin's popular jazz band the Mitja Nikisch Tanz Orchester to great acclaim.
He debuted on April 22, 1918, with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra as a piano soloist.
His band was forced to shut down after the Nazi Party took control of Germany, prompting him to commit suicide out of despair.
He married and divorced famed stage and film Actress Nora Gregor.
His only commercial recording was from 1934 and featured Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 's Piano Concerto no. 20 in D Minor, K. 466, alongside the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
