Each spring the New York Philharmonic family — active and retired Musicians, Board Members, and Staff — gather at a concert and post-concert reception on the Grand Promenade to honor their colleagues who are retiring, who are invited to share their reflections with the audience.
We could not hold this year’s event at a live performance because of the cancellations of our spring concerts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but are committed to celebrating the four talented and dedicated musicians who are retiring. Here’s a taste of what appears in their individual Q & As and slideshows:
Before becoming Assistant Principal Librarian, the multifaceted Sandra Pearson received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in bassoon performance, and will next pursue studies in archives and records management.
Contrabassoonist / bassoonist Arlen Fast has spearheaded a long-overdue modernization of his deep-voiced instrument.
Horn player Howard Wall, who grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, got to watch the Philharmonic Young People’s Concerts on television when there wasn’t a Steelers game.
Cellist Eric Bartlett grew up in rural Vermont and was a busy freelancer before joining the Orchestra.
Learn more about the musicians you usually experience in our concerts by exploring their pages and checking out our social media channels this week.
