I just read that Humbert Lucarelli has died. Here is an interview.
From his Facebook page:
“It is with the deepest sadness that we report that the Maestro, Bert Lucarelli, passed peacefully at home on August 10th. Details are still being worked out for a celebration of life.”
**Update: I’m sorry I hadn’t seen the information about the event until after the fact — it was yesterday. I’ve been busy getting over jet lag and it’s taking some time. (We were gone for 9 1/2 weeks.)
I just received news that Henry Mollicone has died. Such sad news. I worked with Henry when he conducted musicals in San Jose (I think at that point the group was called American Musical Theater of San Jose but I’m not positive). I also had to joy of hearing his wonderful compositions, both with Opera San Jose and with San Jose Chamber Orchestra. I read that he was in the process of writing a new opera, and I do hope it will be completed.
And here is a documentary on his opera “The Face on the Barroom Floor”
I was so sorry to read of Radu Lupu’s death. He had withdrawn from performing in 2019, and I read now that he had some serious health issues, but what a loss to the music world.
He played with San Jose Symphony a few times (the first while I was there was when I joined the orchestra in the 1975-76 season, and he played Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1). SUCH a fine, fine musician. Not showy. He just oozed music. He also played with Midsummer Mozart at least once.
I’m in shock, as I didn’t even know she was ill, but I just read this, from Delmar Williams, on a Facebook group:
Her performance of Rite of Spring begins at 1h 9m. She speaks at 21m10s briefly @ 2m HERE.
Julie Giacobassi, English horn San Francisco Symphony from 1981 to 2006 and Honorary Member IDRS, has died after a long illness. Our most sincere condolences to her husband, Zach, relatives including her sister-in-law Beth Giacobassi, bassoon/contrabassoon Milwaukee Symphony and members of the San Francisco Symphony. I’ll you know if I see an obituary.
Update: I have since read that she suffered from ALS.
Such a huge loss. He was an amazing musician, and any time he came here was a true delight as well.
In January 1999 Krzysztof Penderecki came and conducted San Jose Symphony. We played several of his works. He was no-nonsense, worked well, and I enjoyed him and his works very much. We of course played Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima, but we also did his Symphony No. 4, which included some challenging but ultimately also very rewarding English horn work. (I had to verify what we played by finding a review. I’m glad I was able to locate one!)
Maestro Penderecki died yesterday. I was very sorry to read that news.
I was sorry to hear of the death of Sir Stephen Cleobury when I woke this morning. You can read the announcement here
From Delmar Williams: “Eric Varner Associate Professor of Bassoon at Lynn University and owner of Trevco-Varner Music, has died suddenly while on tour with his trio in Thailand. This is a terrible loss for the double reed community. If I get any further information I will post it.”
I have since heard that Dr. Varner died of a heart attack on October 4. I know there are many who are devastated by this news. He was only 45 years old
