Recently Departed

As a familiar figure on the concert scene, the death of Jonathan Kramer on June 2nd comes as a great shock to all of us. He was 61 and seemingly in fine health. Furthermore, his career ap-peared to be in high gear, with another book, compositions and continued activity as a teacher still ahead. Though very much associated with Columbia U., his career was launched when he served as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's program annotator for 25 years. He took on a teaching position at the College-Conservatory of Music in that city where he made some good friends. "He was not only an excellent composer, but an excellent theorist, too. He was able to excel in two very different ways musically, utilizing two different sets of skills and talents … It would be like a great painter also being a great art critic," said Joel Hoffman, professor of composi-tion and theory at CCM, who was there at the same time as Mr. Kramer. "Jonathan was highly regarded as a superb teacher, thoughtful and inspiring to many," said Robert Zierolf, a friend and former colleague at CCM. Mr. Kramer is survived by his father and mother, a daughter, a son and his wife Deborah.

[Read more about Jonathan Kramer and his legacy on Columbia U. web site.]

Catherine Rowe, a foremost exponent of contemporary American music, died early in November at the age of 83. Her beautiful soprano and her consummate musicianship were always at the disposal of living composers. A great many works were created for her and first performed by her. Despite a difficult personal life she maintained a positive attitude, always cheerful and supportive of others. Her many friends, including a host of former students, will sorely miss Kitty Rowe.