NY Phil violinist joins world’s longest serving players
OrchestrasMarilyn Dubow Krakauer retired today after 52 years playing violin in the New York Philharmonic.
That puts her among the longest serving players anywhere in the world.
Going back a bit further, she made her New York Philharmonic debut in a Young People’s Concert at age 11, playing a Vieuxtemps concerto.
Congratulations to the lady and many, many thanks for the years she’s given playing in the NY Philharmonic and providing us all with such excellent music.
Norman,
Great that you are keeping track of all this.
FYI, Joseph Hearne joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra bass section in 1962. He was the last musician hired by Charles Munch. He is still on the active roster. I believe that puts him in the top 10, no?
absolutely!
Beloved Marilyn, which Vieuxtemps Concerto did you play as an 11-year-old? If I knew, I could dream my way through it.
“THE” Vieuxtemps concerto? There are many of them.
It’s usually the 5th.
Another great retirement: Theodore Baskin, who was principal oboe of the OSM for 43 years, and on all the major Dutoit recordings.
His wife Karen Baskin (cellist) also retires after 34 years.
Principal oboe of the OSM for 43 years, and on all the major Dutoit recording? As the Good Lord is my witness: that is a legacy!
In the UK there is a retirement age, despite the players still being capable to do the job! Anyone over fifty is deemed irrelevant, and invisible, so it’s absolutely wonderful the American orchestras applaud their older and experienced players. (And also guide the new players in the profession)
Some stayed very long in the UK too….Maurice Murphy,for instance.
Well I’m 60 and occupy a Principal position in a BBC orchestra…. I hope my colleagues don’t think I’m irrelevant!
While I respect and appreciate elderly orchestra colleagues’ experience and wisdom (though the ‘young in maturity’ are a sizable group), it pains me to say that most colleagues 65+ I interact with daily no longer play (and sometimes hear) as well as they used to, and as a rule are unaware of it. (And those 75+ absolutely never play, hear or react anywhere like they used to.) Furthermore, when the topic of ‘how many years I’ve been here and am I thinking of the next stage’ comes up, they proclaim that nothing has changed and that they’re playing better than ever.
Would you fly an airliner piloted by a 70 year old? Or a 70 year old surgeon operate on your heart?
As always, people look after their own interests first, and the old guard is holding on for dear life in most cases.
Enjoy your well deserved retirement!
Jan Kocman, Winnipeg SO principal flute; joined 1974 and still principal
Hi Marilyn. This is Lory from Dr mattes office. Text and got my message I’m very proud of you a 52 years in the philharmonic
I think of you all the time and how is Matthew please let me know I love him so much as I did you. My number is 917-576-0009. Maryiln please let me know how everything’s going
Dear Marilyn, Congratulations on your exceptionally long service in the Philharmonic. I remember our Mozart recitals in Arnhem a n d at the Bernstein apartment in the Dakota years ago.If you like , give me a wird or two via lapwingartist@hotmail.com….Love, Christopher
Agadir-Talborjt MAROC 25.1.’24.