Born in 1913 in Prague, Walter Susskind was fortunate to have parents who understood and appreciated the arts and gave him every opportunity to develop his natural talents. At the age of 20 – after extensive training as a pianist, composer, and conductor at the State Conservatory in Prague – he became assistant conductor at the Prague German Opera House. Many of his compositions – song cycles, string quartets, cantatas, operas, transcriptions, film scores, and other works – were introduced in European countries at this time.

In 1945, Susskind made his English debut as a symphony conductor with the Liverpool Philharmonic – followed immediately by engagements with the London Symphony, London Philharmonic, and BBC orchestras. He became guest conductor of the Scottish National Orchestra in 1946 and continued to make guest appearances with other leading European orchestras.

In 1953, Susskind moved to Melbourne, Australia, to become conductor of the Victorian Symphony Orchestra, and in 1956 joined the Toronto Symphony as its conductor and music director. From 1962 until 1968 he was music director and conductor of the Aspen Music Festival. Susskind moved to St. Louis in 1968, where he held the post of music director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra until 1975. Following the death of Thomas Schippers he served as music advisor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra through the 1979–80 seasons.