An article in Wednesday’s (4/29) Los Angeles Times states, “Steven Witser, principal trombonist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, died of an apparent heart attack Monday night in Pasadena, the orchestra announced. He was 48. ‘The shock of Steve’s sudden and unexpected death has robbed us of one of our most beloved and respected musicians,’ Deborah Borda, president and chief executive of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, said in a statement. ‘He was not only a wonderful player, but a great friend and colleague and very active in the organization. He will be deeply missed.’ Witser joined the Philharmonic as principal trombonist in September 2007. Before that he was assistant principal trombonist and acting principal trombonist of the Cleveland Orchestra.” Witser earned his bachelor of music degree and performer’s certificate at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. in 1981 and joined the Cleveland Orchestra in 1989. “The L.A. Philharmonic’s May 30 concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall will be dedicated to his memory, and the orchestra will perform a short opening piece in his honor.”
Posted April 29, 2009
