Oh geez, Erich Kunzel died yesterday

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090901/ENT03/308120005/Erich+Kunzel+dies+at+74

Erich Kunzel, 74, Cincinnati’s music man for more than 44 years, has died.

He died Tuesday at about 10 a.m. in Bar Harbor, Maine, near his home on Swan’s Island, according to his personal manager Peter Throm. He had battled cancer since receiving a diagnosis in late April.

The Pops maestro is survived by his wife of 44 years, Brunhilde. The couple’s homes are in Newport, Ky.; Naples, Fla.; and Swan’s Island.

“Erich Kunzel built the Cincinnati Pops into one of the best known orchestras in the world and is not only beloved in Cincinnati, but around the globe,” said Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra president Trey Devey.

(snip)

For the last two two decades, Kunzel has led PBS’ nationally televised July Fourth and Memorial Day concerts, conducting the National Symphony Orchestra on the lawn at the U.S. Capitol.

It’s a loss for the country, said jazz icon and longtime friend Dave Brubeck.
“Fourth of July is Erich Kunzel in Washington D.C. with the National Symphony Orchestra. It’s a tradition. It’s always a thrill to see Erich up there. He just had the enthusiasm to get things going,” Brubeck said.





That really sucks, I have a couple of his CDs with the Cincinnatti Pops, he was a wonderful director.

He looked perfectly healthy on the 4th of July when he did the concert with the National Symphony from Washington, D.C. as he always did.

Loved his American flag blow tie.

It is sad...

Safe passage to him...

what truly sad is that his passing seems to have gone unnoticed by the major media outlets. I only found out about it because a someone had it on their AIM away message.

during the best season to be there.

RIP maestro.