A bombshell for local woodwind aficionados and for regular listeners of the Atlanta Symphony: Patrick McFarland, 71, the orchestra’s principal English horn player, resigned yesterday after 47 years of service. It was a sudden announcement that surprised his colleagues.
Asked about his decision, McFarland replied, “There were several reasons, not the least was burnout. I don’t want to be hanging around when I’m not playing my best, and I wanted to go out ahead of it, before I lost it.”
Technically, he is now on medical disability, but he says he has no plans to return to the Symphony Hall stage. “It’s just plain time to hang it up,” he said.
I read it here.
I have Mr. McFarland on recording … he really is a fine player. And wow … 47 years of service!
