St. Louis Symphony Orchestra celebrates the contributions of three retiring musicians
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(May 7, 2019, St. Louis, MO) – The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra celebrates the contributions of three long-time musicians who retired during and at the conclusion of the 2018/2019 season:
Anne Fagerburg, Cello, joined the SLSO in 1980 after receiving her bachelor's degree from Oberlin College and her master's degree and performer's certificate from the Eastman School of Music. She was hired by Leonard Slatkin and was a member of the cello section for 39 seasons. Before joining the orchestra, she toured the United States as a member of the Carmel Quartet and the Ellicott Piano Trio. Locally, she is also part of the Ilex Trio. She was instrumental in the creation of the SLSO's Equal Play concert – an annual program of chamber works by women composers.
Morris Jacob, Viola, a member of the SLSO since 1981, received his musical training at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He studied violin with David Cerone and viola with Robert Vernon. Jacob earned a bachelor's degree in violin in 1975 and a master's degree in violin/viola in 1977. He was hired by Leonard Slatkin and was a member of the viola section for 38 years. Before joining the SLSO, Jacob spent four years as the Associate Principal Viola of the Columbus (Ohio) Symphony. Since coming to St. Louis, Jacob has been active playing chamber music and has appeared as a soloist with the St. Louis Symphony Chamber Orchestra and the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Donald Martin, Double Bass, retired from the SLSO on December 31, 2018, after a 56-year career with the SLSO. Martin began his musical career at age seven studying piano and, later, the violin. He began studying double bass at age 12. He was hired by then-Music Director Eleazar De Carvalho in 1968 and played on the opening night concert of Powell Hall. He served on numerous committees within the SLSO during his career and played under six Music Directors. Over the years he was active in chamber music performance, including 18 years with the Rarely Performed Music Group. Throughout his musical life, Martin has also performed jazz with various groups.
"We are so very grateful for all that these musicians have shared with us and the St. Louis region through their extraordinary tenures with this orchestra," said Marie-Hélène Bernard, President and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. "Each has left a meaningful impact on the SLSO and this community, and we thank them for that."
About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Celebrated as one of today's most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 139th year with the 2018/2019 season and Music Director Designate Stéphane Denève. Widely considered one of the world's finest, the SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community connections – all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music.
In addition to its regular concert performances at Powell Hall, which has been the permanent home of the SLSO for more than 50 years, the orchestra is an integral part of the diverse and vibrant St. Louis community, presenting free education programs and performances throughout the region each year. It presents St. Louis Symphony Live at the Pulitzer, a four-program series at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. The SLSO also serves as the resident orchestra for Opera Theatre Saint Louis, with this season marking the 42nd year of their partnership.
The Grammy Award–winning SLSO's impact beyond the St. Louis region is realized through weekly Saturday night concert broadcasts on St. Louis Public Radio, acclaimed recordings, and regular touring activity. A sought-after artistic partner by preeminent musicians and composers from across the globe, as well as by local and national organizations, the SLSO enjoys a long history of robust and enduring artistic collaborations that have developed and deepened over the years.
Today, the SLSO builds on the institution's current momentum on all fronts, including artistic, financial, audience growth, and community impact, and looks toward the future with Stéphane Denève. Denève, who has been a frequent guest conductor with the orchestra since 2003, begins his tenure as Music Director with the 19/20 season, following this season as Music Director Designate. For more information, visit slso.org.
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