Ann Hobson Pilot
(Photo Credit: Michael Lutch)
Rachelle Schlosser writes:
New York, NY (February 28, 2017) – Esteemed musician
Ann Hobson Pilot will receive the League of American
Orchestras' highest honor, the Gold Baton, at the League's 72nd National
Conference in Detroit, June 6-8, 2017. Pilot, who performed for 40
years with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (29 as principal harpist), is a
renowned soloist, teacher, and mentor, and was the first African
American woman to serve as a principal player in a major orchestra.
Pilot
will be presented the award during the League's Opening Plenary, June
6, 4:00-5:30 p.m., at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Max M. &
Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center.
"For
over 50 years, Ann Hobson Pilot has been a trailblazer in the world of
orchestras and classical music, said Jesse Rosen, League of American
Orchestras President and CEO. "From her earliest years, she has been a
compelling musical presence and an inspiration to colleagues, students,
and audiences. We are proud to present her with the Gold Baton, the
League's greatest honor, recognizing her immense impact on the orchestra
field."
"Beyond
being one of the world's greatest harpists and a role model and
inspiration to many, Ann remains the epitome of kindness and elegance,"
said Mark Volpe, Managing Director, Boston Symphony Orchestra. "She left
an indelible mark on the Boston Symphony, and her legacy is firmly
intact. She is a most deserving recipient of the League's Gold Baton
award."
Given
annually since 1948 for distinguished service to America's orchestras,
the Gold Baton recognizes individuals and institutions whose
far-reaching contributions to the field serve to champion and advance
the cause of orchestras and symphonic music throughout the country.
Previous Gold Baton recipients include, among many others, Leonard
Bernstein (1959); John D. Rockefeller, III (1963); Paul Mellon (1964);
American Federation of Musicians (1965); The Ford Foundation (1966);
Leopold Stokowski
(1968); Arthur Fiedler (1976); Aaron Copland (1978); Beverly Sills
(1980); Isaac Stern (1987); Carnegie Hall (1990); and John Williams
(2006). Click here for a full list of Gold Baton recipients.
The
first African American principal at a major orchestra, Ann Hobson Pilot
has been a pioneer for over 50 years. A graduate of the Cleveland
Institute of Music under Alice Chalifoux, she performed with the
Pittsburgh and National Symphony Orchestras and became principal harp of
the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1980, after serving as assistant
principal harp and principal with the Boston Pops since 1969. She
retired from the BSO in 2009, but continues to have an active solo
career, with recent performances
including the opening of the National Museum of African American History
and Culture in Washington, DC, and performances of the Ginastera Harp
Concerto in Buenos Aires and Boston.
According
to the documentary's press materials, Pilot "triumphed over barriers of
race and gender to become an artist and teacher, whom many, including
John Williams, Yo-Yo Ma and James Levine, revere as one of the world's
great harpists."
In
his review of the documentary, the Boston Globe's Jeremy Eichler
described Pilot as "an exceptional harpist" with "a courageous career."
Read the full release here.
Comment by email:
Comment by email:
Congratulation. The award is a wonderful entrance to Women History Month.
John Malveaux
John Malveaux
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