On August 19, Randall Craig Fleischer, music director of the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra in Alaska, the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra in Ohio, and the Hudson Valley Philharmonic in Poughkeepsie, New York, died unexpectedly at his home in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been reported. Fleischer was 61. In addition to his work as a conductor, Fleischer composed orchestral works and created Rocktopia, a Broadway show featuring classical and rock music performed by an orchestra, vocalists, and rock band. He held music degrees from Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Indiana University School of Music; had studied with Leonard Bernstein as a conducting fellow at Tanglewood; and conducted widely. The Anchorage Symphony hosted a virtual memorial for Fleischer on September 29, and Youngstown Symphony musicians honored him with an impromptu outdoor concert in October. The Hudson Valley Philharmonic plans an online tribute in mid-October. Fleischer leaves behind his wife, Heidi Joyce, a daughter, and two brothers. A fund for underprivileged young musicians is being established in his honor at his three orchestras.
Caption: Randall Craig Fleischer
