101 Strong
The performing arts in this country have taken a hard hit from the pandemic and our government’s fractured response. The few public concerts in the Pittsburgh Symphony’s schedule are outdoors, and our fall season looks to be entirely virtual. Is it the same everywhere? We reached out to friends and former colleagues around the world to see how they are carrying on during this pandemic. Here are their responses:
The performing arts in this country have taken a hard hit from the pandemic and our government’s fractured response. The few public concerts in the Pittsburgh Symphony’s schedule are outdoors, and our fall season looks to be entirely virtual. Is it the same everywhere? We reached out to friends and former colleagues around the world to see how they are carrying on during this pandemic. Here are their responses:
Violist Raymond Marsh passed away on June 26th at the age of 89. He was a beloved member of the Pittsburgh Symphony for 48 of those years, retiring in 2007. Here are a few personal tributes from his PSO colleagues.
John Karapandi is retiring from the PSO on Sept 27, 2020, after nearly four decades of exemplary service, friendship, and his signature “cool calm,” no matter what the issue and angst level.
Jeremy Branson, associate principal percussionist, leads a discussion on the life and impact of the revered Alan Abel, reminiscing with colleagues Chris Allen, Andrew Reamer, and John Soroka
by Karissa Shivone
Penny Brill, violist with the Pittsburgh Symphony for 40 wonderful years, is energized and ready to immerse herself into her latest musical calling as she retires next year (March 2021). She has discovered first-hand the power our music has towards healing people in the community. While she has devoted herself for the past two decades to performing for people all around Pittsburgh (and beyond) with a wide spectrum of needs, retirement will allow her time to pass on her knowledge to the next generation. Penny has a great passion to share her discoveries on repertoire, programs, educational material, and so much more.
by Lorien Benet Hart
My first weeks with the PSO were as an extra violinist on the 2001 South American tour; I knew very few people in the orchestra and relied mostly on people adopting me into their “tour family” for any socializing. Little did I know that a hole-in-the-wall tango performance in Montevideo, Uruguay would come to define my touring for the next two decades.
by Alison Fujito
Violinist Carolyn Edwards and I first met in April, 1987, when we were both called to sub with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra just before joining as full-time members.
By Paul Silver
Randy was born and raised in Portland, Oregon.When he was 6 years old, he began to play the violin following in the footsteps of his three older sisters. But as he jokes, “when I found out how hard it was, I really didn’t want to do it anymore!”
After joining the Pittsburgh Symphony in the early 2000s as Manager of Corporate Support, Jodi Weisfield quickly endeared herself with musicians, staff, and donors with her approachable leadership, attention to detail, and infectious passion for the music. Her talents led to her appointment as Director of Corporate Support, to helping lead a Major Campaign, being appointed VP of Donor Relations, and most recently leading as Senior VP and Chief Development Officer.