A close friend has died

A close friend has died

RIP

norman lebrecht

October 14, 2023

Steve Rubin, founder of the Rubin Institute for Music Criticism at San Francisco Conservatory and a close friend of ours for thirty years, has died in a New York hospital, aged 81.

Starting out as a music writer on the NY Times, Steve became one of the most respected publishers in Anerica, continuing as consultant to Simon & Schuster to the end.

I will write more about Steve once the grim news has sunk in.

He is irreplaceable.

Comments

  • William Evans says:

    My condolences to you and to Mr Rubins’ other friends and, of course, to his family.

  • Michael Hunt says:

    I’m sorry for your loss.

  • Tom Phillips says:

    Early in his career – around 1974 I think -he wrote an excellent book about the horrible state the Met was in under the mercifully brief reign of Schuyler Chapin, including quite revealing interviews with many of the greatest operatic performers of the time including Verrett, Vickers, etc. Will be missed!

  • Has-been says:

    Steve was a true mensch and polymath having been a successful author of two books, Founder of the Rubin Institute and President of Doubleday and McMillan. RIP Steve, Tom

  • V.Lind says:

    A wonderful organisation and by all appearances a wonderful man. My condolences on the loss of a friend, and I suspect the wider music world has also lost one, whether they knew him or not. BTW, I do not think the term “San Francisco Conservatism” very apposite…

  • CRAIG RUTENBERG says:

    He was a truly wonderful man. I’m so sorry to learn this news.

  • fierywoman says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss.

  • Susan Bradley says:

    I am sorry for the loss of your friend. Take comfort in memories.

  • Zarathusa says:

    Steve was truly an irreplaceable “One of a Kind”! He will be greatly missed! My deepest condolences to his family, friends, co-workers, and anyone who appreciates the talents of a truly gifted genius!

  • Mr. Ron says:

    I did not know him but it is always sad to lose a close friend.

  • MOST READ TODAY: