In Monday’s (6/20) Philadelphia Inquirer, Sally A. Downey writes, “Louis Hood Jr., 86, public-relations director for the Philadelphia Orchestra for 13 years, died of heart failure Saturday, May 28, at Dunwoody Village, a retirement community in Newtown Square, where he had lived since 2003. Mr. Hood was public-relations director for the orchestra from 1960 to 1963 and from 1972 until retiring in 1982. In 1977, he initiated annual orchestra marathons. The weeklong events raised more than $1.6 million and doubled the membership of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association. … Mr. Hood wrote and designed the orchestra’s publications, established its newsletter, and produced its promotional material. He was also the orchestra’s photographer, providing photo coverage of soloists, guest conductors, and foreign tours. In 1973, he accompanied the orchestra on its historic tour of China. His tenure with the orchestra included the transition from longtime conductor Eugene Ormandy to Riccardo Muti in 1980.” Hood also served similar roles at the National Symphony Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra.
Posted June 20, 2011
