The bassoonist who saved a concert hall
mainThe Detroit Symphony Orchestra is in mourning for Paul Ganson, an assistant principal bassoon who headed the successful Save Orchestra Hall campaign in 1970.
‘Paul’s extraordinary impact on the DSO cannot be overstated,’ said the DSO. ‘He stands with Ossip Gabrilowitsch and very few others as a giant in the history of our orchestra. We literally would not be where we are today without Paul.’
Paul Ganson died last month, aged 80.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall is an acoustical gem, and aesthetically it’s very easy on the eyes as well.
I can’t help but wonder if being an acoustic gem and aesthetically pleasing go hand in hand? One problem I see and hear with ‘modern’ halls is that they look ugly from the outside and sound ugly once inside.
I am proud to count Paul among my friends. He will be missed.
https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/02/16/dso-paul-ganson-detroit-symphony-orchestra/6768342002/
Just shows that a musician can make an impact beyond just doing his/her job within the orchestra.
Detroit has many architectural gems and the Hall is one of them. So glad that the City listened to a musician who wanted to save an old relic and give it new life.
Why not name the hall after him?