In Saturday’s (11/2) Great Fall Tribune (Montana), Jake Sorich reports, “The Great Falls Symphony was missing one of its key parts Saturday as conductor Gordon Johnson suffered a heart attack during Friday’s rehearsal. Johnson, 64, who stayed the night in emergency care at Benefis, said he’s feeling much better after undergoing surgery Saturday morning under the care of Dr. William Rowe. ‘I am doing remarkably well, given the circumstance,’ he said. In Johnson’s stead at Saturday’s show was Dusty Molyneaux, who conducted the second half featuring guest pianist John O’Conor, and Breanne Cepeda, assistant conductor of the Helena Symphony. Johnson said he started to feel sweaty and weak when Sherry Rolf, the second clarinetist for the symphony who’s also a doctor in Billings, rushed him to the hospital.… Carolyn Valacich, executive director for the symphony, announced before the start of the show that Johnson would not be conducting because of his heart attack but assured the audience that he would be back soon.… Johnson said he was disappointed that he had to miss the show … He said, though, that he’s thankful that he’s feeling better already.”
Posted November 4, 2013
