A US music director is receiving hospice care
mainMore sad news. Lawrence Leighton Smith, emeritus music director in Colorado Springs, is in the care of a hospice team, the orchestra has announced. A Facebook page has been created at his wife’s request for friends and colleagues to send good wishes.
A winner of the Mitropoulos Competition, he served as music director at the Oregon Symphony1973-1980 and the San Antonio Symphony 1980-1985.
Larry suffered a massive heart attack on October 10, 2013. He was discharged from Penrose Hospital on Friday night and is under the care of Pikes Peak Hospice in his home.
In my student days at California Institute of the Arts, Larry conducted the Institute’s orchestra. I was fortunate enough to play and work with Larry for two years. He is a great musician and a very fine man. Saw him again in 1974 at Tanglewood and kept in touch few years with an occasional post card. I wish him a speedy recovery!
His wonderful musical influence and inspiration for students at Manhattan Scool of Music is gratefully remembered. I also remember his pianistic artistry and his joy in discussing the finer points of a score. My warmest greetings to him and his family.
Orin O’Brien (faculty of MSM)
I have so many fond memories……. Chamber
music with Larry ,
SGI Activities together….always musical ones.
What a fabulous person you are and amazing
Pianist and conductor
Marion Feldman ,cello faculty MSM and NYU
So wonderful! xoxo, Jennifer Lane
Larry, what a fine musician and a wonderful guy. We had a great time in Russia, hanging out with our KGB friends who bugged our rooms, making records, a film, and concerts with the Moscow Phil. You paid me the best compliment by actually liking a piece I wrote, practicing it, and playing it on the piano with Tom WIlson and your fine Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Lots of love to you! Your performance of Saint Saens’ Second Concerto with pianist Sofia Cosma will come out on CD next month.
Lincoln Mayorga
http://www.sheffieldlab.com