Toledo Symphony Celebrates Long-term Musicians Who Are Retiring

In Wednesday’s (5/28) BG Independent News (Bowling Green, Ohio), David Dupont writes, “The Toledo Symphony Orchestra will mark the retirement of three long-time musicians when it presents “Mahler: Symphony No. 1 ‘Titan’ Friday, May 30 … The concert will feature Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, ‘Titan,’ and Ernest Bloch’s ‘Schelomo,’ performed by internationally acclaimed cellist Julian Schwarz. The evening will also include a special celebration of three longtime TSO musicians: Concertmaster Kirk Toth, Principal Cellist Martha Reikow, and Third Horn Alan Taplin. Each retires from the orchestra after decades of dedicated service. Music Director Alain Trudel will lead the concert…. Kirk Toth, the Toledo Symphony’s concertmaster since 1985, and whose artistry and leadership have shaped the orchestra’s sound … remarks, ‘It has been a great privilege to work with my colleagues in the Toledo Symphony over these many years.’… Principal Cellist Martha Reikow has anchored the ensemble’s cello section since 1981. ‘Being a part of this Orchestra has enabled me to be up close and personal with great musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, the great cellist Rostropovich and Itzhak Perlman,’ says Reikow…. Alan Taplin, Third Horn, whose rich tone and collaborative spirit have contributed to countless performances since … 1979, estimates that he has played over 5,000 performances in his long career.”