“When the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra gives its season finale performances soon, it will do so without its longest-serving musician,” writes Robin Huebner in Monday’s (4/9) West Fargo Pioneer (North Dakota). “For the first time in 59 years, Carole Nelson will be in the audience watching instead of on stage playing her viola. Nelson, who’s performed with the symphony almost continuously since she was a high school freshman, is now 76 years old. Her final symphony concert was in March, a decision made due to the strain on her arms from long rehearsals and shows…. The retired orchestra teacher will still be a part of Dakota Rose String Quartet … and she’ll keep giving private lessons. Linda Boyd, the symphony’s executive director, said Nelson’s impact goes far beyond what she’s done on stage. ‘Carole is absolutely one of the unsung musical heroes of our community,’ Boyd said. ‘So many of her students went on to accomplish great things.’ … She earned a spot on the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony as a ninth grader at Fargo Central High School in the mid-1950s.… Jane Linde Capistran … of Dakota Rose String Quartet … said wherever they go, everyone knows Carole…. ‘It’s really pretty special.’ ”
Posted April 10, 2018
Carole Nelson photo by David Samson / The Forum
