“Last week, Stanley Drucker played his last concert with the New York Philharmonic,” writes David Weininger in today’s (8/7) Boston Globe. “Drucker was a member of the Philharmonic for 60 years, 48 of them as principal clarinet…. For many of the orchestra’s regular listeners, it will be difficult to imagine the Philharmonic without him. I reached Drucker last week in Vail, Colo., where the orchestra has played a two-week summer residency for the last seven years. The day after our conversation, he was to play his final concert with the Philharmonic, under its music director designate, Alan Gilbert…. Asked why he decided to leave now, Drucker answered, ‘I don’t think there’s a principal player on any instrument playing at the age of 80 at any major orchestra. I thought it was the right time because I feel as good as I ever did.” Drucker comments in the article that he will continue to play recitals and chamber music, and to give master classes. “See, if you can play, you never stop playing. It’s like a painter. They never stop painting if they can hold the brush.” The Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, where the New York Philharmonic performs, took place this year from July 1 to August 4.
Posted August 7, 2009
