Cellist retires tonight after 63 years in the Symphony
OrchestrasColorado will never sound the same without Margaret Hoeppner in the cellos. She was just 19 when she joined what was then the Denver Symphony in 1961. Her future husband Fred was principal cello. He played for 20 years and conducted for the next 33 years. Between them they raised a combined family of eight children.
Tonight, New Year’s Eve, Margaret will draw her last bow in a live concert.
She becomes the ninth longest playing musician in modern orchestral history.
She says: ‘The Colorado Symphony has really been a gift to me. It has encompassed my entire adult life and been my life’s work and joy while bringing me an incredible sense of camaraderie. I feel so lucky to be able to come to work everyday and participate in something that’s truly beautiful which over the years has brought joy to our community.’
Delighted.Enjoy retirement.
An inspiration
Enjoy your retirement. You will still be able to play too your hearts content at home & perhaps some colleagues will come & make music with you too. Blessings from another retired cellist.
As a frequent guest conductor of the Colorado Symphony over the years, it has always been a huge pleasure to make music with Margaret. She is a delight, a consummate musician, and epitomizes the joy of music. Bravissima Margaret, and I know you will discover new adventures in your retirement!! ❤️❤️
Does a string quartet beckon?
Ah, Denver/Colorado Symphony! So many memories, concerts that I attended from 12/1984 to 10/2006, my years living in Denver! The orchestra as well as other groups (Colorado Chorale, Opera Colorado) were a clique that really kept their distance from non-white or plainly foreign citizens: on the name of quality of course, please understand; I guess only a few privileged people could perform, understand, analysed, read or simply enjoy classical music. My highly-qualified immigrant (not war then) classical pianist Ukrainian piano teacher was never invited to be a guest soloist although everybody knew her and needed her at rehearsals, as accompanist or just guiding the lighting technician through a score. An elitist and unfair bunch they were indeed!
Bitter are we???
I’m sorry to hear that. Am going to neither upvote nor downvote your comment as don’t know anything about the orchestra, but it’s a pity you have spoilt the slew of compliments about the cellist Margaret being such a long term orchestral member.
I have no personal basis to comment on your allegations of prejudice. However, in the context of this news item, your taste is deplorable.
If no African-American in the orchestra, the Chorale or opera company over a 22 year period, it seems right that it should be remarked
Almost all of these mentions/records are in the US – what a surprise – apart from the Berlin Phil and perhaps one other. Americans like breaking records… That said, it’s very impressive that so many instrumentalists have or had been in orchestras for 55 years or more!!
Very impressive. Congratulations to this lady. I only lasted 38 years in the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra.
She must really have the “right stuff”.
Bravissimo said congratulations maestra!