Sudden death of US principal oboe, 61
mainThe sister of Jonathan Dlouhy, principal oboe of the Atlanta Symphony from 1979 to 2006, has posted word of his death last week of a cardiac infarction.
Susan Dlouhy writes: ‘My brother, Jon, passed away in his home in Atlanta, Georgia last week. He had a sudden cardiac incident and died peacefully. He was only 61. Jon was a gifted musician, an avid reader and a huge baseball fan. He was packing to move to Columbus to be closer to Peg Dlouhy and I when he died. He is also survived by his daughter Elizabeth Dlouhy, also from Atlanta. Memorial services will be private.
I never met Mr. Dlouhy, but knew him from his many posts on the now-defunct IDRS email list. He was very generous in sharing his knowledge and experience (as well as jokes) with us. I still remember him fondly, despite the fact that it has been 11 years since IDRS killed the email list against its members’ wishes.
He left his p
I am so sad to hear this news…. he was a great player and a dear friend.
I will always miss him…. my deepest sympathy to his family,
Yoel Levi
So sorry to hear this. I spent the summer of 1979 in Atlanta studying with him, and he was a wonderful player and generous teacher.
I knew Jon when I joined the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1978. We had a good year together and even roomed together on our Western US tour. We had fun in Toronto going out for Chinese Food and Sushi and playing pinball at a now defunct joint called FUNLAND. Then, after he moved to Atlanta to be the Principal oboist in the Atlanta Symphony I eventually visited him there. I recall him taking me to a mall and there was a cool magic shop where I purchased a trick. Since those years we had been in touch semi-frequently but it tapered off over the past decade. I am quite saddened by this sudden loss and send my condolences to his family.
Having joined the ASO in 1984, I was imprinted as a young musician with Jon’s sound on the oboe. He left his mark in hundreds of performances, and I am grateful we have recordings of his talent. Jon was colorful in his strong personality, diligent in his discipline, and unforgettable in my mind. Rest In Peace, Jon. This was way too early.
My condolences to Jonathon’s loved ones. He came to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as Principal Oboe the same year I came as Principal Cello–1979. He played beautifully on recordings of the ASO during the Yoel Levi years. I’m saddened to hear of his passing.
Jon was not only a student of mine but succeeded my position at Ohio University. He was incredibly talented and devoted to the oboe. I have many very good memories of his excellent playing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. RIP
There’s something dangerous about being a wind player at 61. First Ernst Ottensammer and now Jon. Both heart attacks. Absolutely dreadful.
I am not sure if Mr. Dlouhy was still actively playing. He retired early from Atlanta 11 years ago.
Jon’s Mother, Peggy Dlouhy, lived down the street from us in Hartwell Ga. at our lake
house. I have had a wonderful relation with her over the Years. I never met Jon but have enjoyed his playing with the Atlanta Symphony for 27 years as the principle oboist and feel I have shared in his professional music history. My thoughts and Prayers are with his family and friends.
I first met Jon during the summer between Junior & Senior years in high school. Music camp in N Carolina. We clicked. We practiced together. We argued. He taught me many things. Once, he made me so mad I threw my cup of coffee in his lap. I’ll miss his talent and his intellect.