The New York Philharmonic deeply mourns the passing of bassoonist / contrabassoonist Bert Bial (1957–95). Beloved by his colleagues, he was also the Philharmonic’s official photographer, documenting both milestones and daily life. A collection of his photos, Focus on the Philharmonic, was published on the Orchestra’s 150th anniversary. The Philharmonic extends condolences to his wife, children, and granddaughters.
View a slideshow of Bert Bial’s photographs above, and watch a video clip in which he talks about performing Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony in Moscow in 1959, led by Bernstein and with the composer in attendance.
