In Remembrance of Erich Kunzel
Dear Friend,
We invite you to leave your thoughts, remembrances and tributes for Maestro Erich Kunzel.
–The Cincinnati Pops Family
Dear Friend,
We invite you to leave your thoughts, remembrances and tributes for Maestro Erich Kunzel.
–The Cincinnati Pops Family
Erich,
I wanted to let you know how fantastic the concert was on August 1 at Riverbend, and how wonderful it was to see you on the podium. Singing up there in the chorus and feeling the incredible energy from that crowd was one of the most moving experiences I’ve had.
I literally grew up hearing you conduct. Even though we’ve only known each other a few years, you’ve been a fixture my entire life. You helped me come to love and appreciate symphonic music when I was very young, and given my profession in music, this love and appreciate has clearly had a lasting impact.
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Best wishes,
Chris
Erich,
Thank you for helping to make the city I love great. Growing up in this city and seeing your concerts and eventually singing under your direction are memories I will treasure forever. Thank you for inspiring this Cincinnati Pops, this city, this country, and the entire world.
Sing
Sing a song
Sing out loud
Sing out strong
Sing of good things, not bad
Sing of happy, not sad
Sing
Sing a song
Make it simple
To last your whole life long
Don’t worry that it’s not good enough
For anyone else to hear
Sing
Sing a song
My wife and I have great memories of the couple of Cincinnati Pops seasons we attended in the early 1980’s. I also enjoyed watching Mr. Kunzel conduct the national orchestra for the 4th of July concerts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kunzel family.
Steve
Erich-
Thank you for sharing the joy of music with me and so many others here in Cincinnati and around the world. I miss your energy and exuberance already. Imagining the shows you’ll be putting together with choirs of angels in heaven brings me a smile. I’m sad though that you’ll miss the opening of the new School for the Creative and Performing Arts that you worked so diligently to bring from a dream to reality. Thanks to your energy that dream will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of all the kids who will find their voice in the arts thanks to your perseverance. Your spirit will inspire me forever. Your smile and greeting of “My favorite boy soprano!” whenever we got together will be a cherished memory, and you’ll continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Mark
I have always enjoyed his style of bring the best of classical, movie, and play music to life! He was and will always be my favorite conductor of all time, and I will always remember him. The 1812 overture was my favorite, and his was the best! He always conducted it the way it was written, and that was great! My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans, which I will always be pride to be one. Rest in peace Erich, and may you continue your fine music in Heaven.
I’m stunned and saddened by the news of Erich’s passing today. I too have a very fond memory of the August 1st concert at Riverbend. I’ll always remember Erich as I stood and sang “God Bless America” as the performance’s encore, tears streaming down my cheeks. The love and support from the crowd seemed to give the maestro great comfort and bring some energy into his countenance.
I will truly miss Mr. Kunzel. Cincinnati has lost a great treasure.
Peace,
Suzanne
I am thankful for the joy he gave us. He was truly a Cincinnati Treasure and so much more.Pure Joy that is what he was.
We were also fortunate enough to see Erich again at the Rogers and Hammerstein concert at Riverbend in August.
I have wonderful memories of singing with the Pops, as part of the May Festival Summer Chorus, under Erich. He was very professional and very funny! I still laugh when I remember his antics on the podium when the orchestra played “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Erich had my total respect and admiration. God bless him and his family.
Godspeed and love to you maestro….you left us all a musical legacy that will never be diminshed. Thank you.
Mr. Kunzel was a tremendouse treasure and a great joy to watch. I will miss him…
My deepest sympathies and prayers for his wife and family. This merciless disease took him so quickly….
Sadness…. When my parents were unable to continue the Pops do to age, I took over the seats in my fathers name on the first balcony. We look forward to a “dinner and a concert” on Fridays with Maestro Kunzel personable presentation. Sad… I look forward to our next Friday night to support our next Maestro who knows how big the shoes are to fill.
Son
It is good
Rest in peace, maestro.
What a tremendous loss to the classical world.
Erich (or E.K. as we called him backstage) was a tremendous human being who brought the joy of music to everyone. I served as Conducting Assistant in 1997, and learned the most about the art of conducting from Erich. He was the ultimate musician and showman, and his audience interaction was something for any student of conducting to watch and learn!!!
He had tremendous ears: I remember one recording session where he was listening to a playback, and he turned to me and said “CHRISTOPHER: change the second bassoon part to a C# at measure 75!” It was in a very densely orchestrated piece, and I was skeptical, but when I went to the bassoon stand, sure enough, there was a C-natural. He also knew how to rehearse a professional orchestra: he wasted NO time (a given), but he would sometimes read only 30 minutes and then call it a day. I asked him (naively), “why?” He said that he wanted the music to be fresh for the orchestra that evening, and that they would give it more than if he had rehearsed the full three hours.
For all of those assistants and conductors who studied and worked with you over the years, I say “Thank you Erich!”
Christopher Stanichar
Your vision of a public K-12 school of the arts will come to pass.
Godspeed Erich on your new journey–it was a WILD ride in Cincinnati!
Maestro–
I will miss you dearly. I could never thank you enough for all of the love and support you’ve given me over the years. Personally and of course professionally, you leave a void in the classical and pops world that cannot be filled. I know how much of a go-getter you were, and I can only imagine what kind of grief you’re giving the angelic choirs right about now!
With love, rest in peace.
Well…hoo haa…people like me who only listen to the Pops because it’s popular music…will miss this man.
One of the true showmen of the world. A loss beyond measure…
As a former staff member of the CSO/CPO, I had the privilege of working for Erich for six years in concert production. The man could drive me crazy – but just when I thought he was asking the impossible, or I thought he truly was out of his mind – I discovered that it WAS possible and that what he was asking raised the level from something that was good to something that was fantastic. I learned so much from Erich – not the least being that one really COULD cue those “1812″ cannons to detonate exactly as indicated in the score. (Yes, that was one of the many jobs Erich handed me.)
As I continue my dual careers as an orchestra administrator and a theater director, I think back frequently on all the things he taught me about producing a successful show.
Thanks for everything, Erich!
Bob Neu
The musical world is poorer for Mr. Kunzel’s untimely passing. His enthusiasm for, and advocacy of music appreciation, is an admirable legacy.
I don’t think in the pop orchestra world, Kunzel has a replacement. I associate him mostly with his recordings on Telarc, and I was of a generation of people who came to know him as the pops conductor for the CD/digital era. He was often compared with John Williams, but Kunzel completely encompassed the pop orchestra genre on record, and in wonderful Telarc sound. I know so many people who awaited the next recording from Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops. The recordings gave so much enjoyment to all of us.
When I heard that Telarc was sending engineers home recently, it was upsetting, because here was a relatively new American record company and it had great intentions from the beginning. Robert Shaw was perhaps for the more serious listeners, but Kunzel was for everyone. His recordings were easy to like, and didn’t have the dated sound or arrangements of Fiedler’s. It doesn’t seem right that life should be taken away from someone who gave so much pleasure to so many people, and introduced new ears to the sound of the orchestra. No one will replace Kunzel at a Capitol 4th or Memorial Day in Washington, DC. Erich Kunzel was guaranteed to strike up the band and make us happy. That’s how I will remember him.
I am very sad and at a loss for words. Erich, you will be missed.
It is so hard to imagine the world of music without a life force like Maestro Kunzel. He was larger than life and had more energy and passion for music than two orchestras. As a former May Festival Chorus member, I rolled my eyes when it came to some of Erich’s shticks but one of my best choral experiences was singing Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms under his baton. The Chorus’s sound had an unearthly beauty that has rarely been equaled. He was a superb musician with a keen sense of how to bring out the best in everyone and how to attract audiences. Thanks to him, Cincinnati Pops dominates the genre–hardly an hour goes by on the Sirius/XM Pops channel without a Cincinnati Pops recording. His passion for Cincinnati, for the arts and arts education led to the new SCPA that I hope will bear his name. Thank you, caro maestro, for all that you did for this community. I hope the angel choir yells “Hey!” at the end of whatever you conduct.
Thanks for all you did in the field of educating our young people on the beauty and continuity of our heritage of wonderful music. You were a great gift to the world, and now the song must continue. Peace to your family and may your mourning turn to dancing.
My thoughts are with Maestro Kunzel’s family and friends during this difficult time. Our community has truly lost a dear friend – his love and commitment for arts and education in Over-the-Rhine and the entire city has been an inspiration to us all. May his legacy live on in each of us.
Memories of wonderful times. The music legacy Maestro Kunzel has left us is tremendous. Sunday afternoon at DSO Pops concerts are a delight but it is sad that Erich Kunzel will no longer be part of that experience. He was a tremendous influence and encourager to all and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. The music world is a lesser place today.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Kunzel this spring. The optimism, joy, and peace that he met his diagnosis with was inspiring. The many family and friends of this wonderful man are in my prayers.
The city of Cincinnati and our nation were truly blessed to have Erich lead us in song for so many years. From the wonderful music on our local scene to the incredible performances during Independence Day celebrations in our nations capitol. The angel band just became a pops orchestra and heaven is dancing on this day. See you again someday Maestro, your already missed.
I remember Erich’s very first concert with the Cincinnati Symphony in the early ’60’s and an excellent performance of Paul Creston’s 2nd Symphony. There was electricity in that performance that the CSO at that time wasn’t noted for. Something very special has arrived on the scene, I thought. All admirers of his long devotion and huge creative influence on Cincinnati’s musical scene can thank their lucky stars that he chose to stay. Rest in peace my friend.
Erich,
Thank you for giving us your all every time you conducted. I was a member of the chorus, and each time we got on stage, you were there with all lights on, 100% positive energy flowing. You were fun, but you were also a fantastic musician who saw the big picture and knew how to pull the goodness out of us.
Enjoy your rest, and I hope the next journey is awesome for you!
Erika
Eric was my guest the very first time I did a talk show on 55 WKRC. As usual, he was warm, gracious and funny. We had such a good time, the 2 hours went by like the blink of an eye. The regular host was ill that night and I was called in at the last monent. On the strength of that interview, I was given the talk show as the regular host. I have always credited Eric with getting my talk show career started. As a musician, he was a genius, as a man he was a driving force in getting more people to enjoy classical music. To me, he gave me my start in Talk Radio. I will be forever grateful.
Stew Williams
Johns Island, SC
Farewell dear friend of 50 years, you stood tallest in the forest. Joyful, energetic, kindly, loyal. You will never be forgotten, My heart goes out to your dear wife, Brunie. Love and Peace be with you.
My condolences and prayers go out to the Kunzel family. I was privileged enough to meet Maestro Kunzel following one of the concerts at Music Hall. He was so kind and gracious to take the time to meet and talk with us even though we were about the last in line, and I’m sure he was ready to call it an evening. He made every concert I saw a memorable event, and I will continue to enjoy his spirit through the recordings we have!
Thank you, Maestro. May your dream and your legacy live on.
Today, Cincinnati’s song is a little sadder. Erich Kunzel was one of Cincinnati’s great treasures, and he has forever added depth and texture to Cincinnati’s soul. He was always smiling. The joy that he brought to his work infused an energy and passion in his music that opened hundreds of thousands of people around the world to the symphony. His legacy will forever be a part of the fabric of Cincinnati.
– Mayor Mark Mallory
We enjoyed many exciting nights at Riverbend. One of the most memorable was the performance of the music from Dances with Wolves. The film was silent with the orchestra playing behind the screen. Eric spoke of the significance of the musical score to the flow of a film. The experience was transforming.
The Cincinnati Caledonian Pipes and Drums send our condolences at the loss of a great Cincinnati and American icon. It has been our pleasure to play with the Maestro many times over the past decade. His talent and zest will be missed. But his vision lives on with many of us and in the future of the new School for Creative and Performing Arts.
We will miss Eric dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his Family
godspead Erich. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kunzel family
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Maestro Kunzel. As an SCPA graduate, I am well aware of his contribution of the years to the school and the building of the new school. He was a great man and will be missed here in Cincinnati. May his wife and family find comfort in this time of loss.
The most sincere condolences and prayers go out to the Kunzel family in this time of great loss. I was fortunate enough to have worked with the Maestro several times as a graduate student, and some of the lessons learned during those short encounters still stay with me in my professional career today. May the legacy of this great master live on.
You Rock, dude! Thanks for bringing great music to the people of this country and the world. My sympathy to your family and dear friends who span the globe.
Starting in 1969, my parents and I had season tickets for the 8 O’Clock Series. I was only 13 and not all that keen on any music that didn’t include an electric guitar, but as it turned out, I loved going to see Erich Kunzel and the Pops. He made it fun, and through the years, I saw so many great musicians–Nina Simone, Henry Mancini, Judy Collins, just to name a few. I’m sure I’m not the only Cincinnati kid who was dragged kicking and screaming to see Mr. Kunzel at Music Hall only to discover great music and an even greater musician.
A tremendous loss to the arts community as a whole! I will always cherish the the few moments we had together on the riverboat dinner cruise last year. I will always be thankful for the time you gave my wife and I during that cruise and for the picture you took with me. God Bless!
As someone once said “Thanks for the Memories”. As a Pops subscriber for over 15 years, I will truly miss you Erich. No matter what kind of week I may have prior to the concert you managed to uplift, inspire, and most of all entertain me for the evening. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to to hear the greatest orchestra (CPO) and the greatest chorus ( Mormon Tabernacle ) Your vision will live on with the opening of the new School for Creative and Performing Arts and I know you will have the best seat in the house when that is open. You’ve been teacher for so many ( young and old ) and a visionary for so many others…My condolences go to your family and the orchestra members. Although my heart is heavy with your passing, I know you are with the great ones who you have taught us to love through the years. Gershwin, Mancini,Bach, Bethoven, Charlie Chapin, and Walt Disney are probably settling you in and saying “Let us Entertain You.”
Cincinnati has lost a legend and a great treasure. Erich did more to promote Cincinnati and the arts than anyone; this is a tremendous loss for the community. I enjoyed many of Erich’s wonderful concerts (in Cincinnati and Florida) over the years. Every concert was a delight…..great music, and always lots of fun. He had such an amazing presence on stage. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Erich, he was very gracious and full of good humor. His legacy will live on for years to come; his energy and amazing talent will never be forgotten. Rest in peace dear Maestro…..we will miss you.
Memorial Day and the Fouth of July will never be the same. I loved to watch this wonderful man conduct the orchastra. He will be sorely missed. My prayers go out to his family. May God Protect and bless them by keeping them in the Shadow of His wings,
I’ll never forget what joy you brought in watching you conduct and perform. You will be missed.
Thanks for all the great concerts and CD’s. The world has lost a treasure. Blessings to your family.
RIP, Erich. You will be greatly missed.
So long Erich, you were an amazing person. From the first time you worked with us at the Naples Philharmonic, I knew you would put the group in another category of greatness, and you did. I am so grateful you brought yourself to us in Fort Myers and brought all those great arrangements of music that people fill halls for. I am sure many of my fellow musicians know that they have better lives since you were a part of it, in particular, those who were a part of all those great recordings. At least we live on forever in our recording legacy. And you my friend, I am proud to have worked with you, played some fun solos with you as Principal Bass (especially Haydn 45). One of my favorite recordings is the Batman Suite with Cinncinnati Pops, such dynamic and fun playing. And that is what you brought us in Fort Myers, you brought a whole new level of enjoyment to playing Pops concerts. Our audiences loved you, they filled our hall to prove it, and that says it all. I am honored to have handled orchestral scores for you as well when I was an Acting Librarian for SW FL Symphony and got to talk to you personally many times about the stories behind the music. You made orchestral music more popular in the USA than anyone else in the last many years and I am hopeful your legacy will provide us with more audiences who will continue to fill our halls as they did with you. Farewell my friend, I know you are up there showing the Big Man how to navigate through Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Copland himself is there with you as well.
Joseph Trunk, Principal Double Bass
SW FL Symphony
We have truly lost a Cincinnati Legend today. I grew up watching Erich and the Cincinnati Pops on stage, and have continued to enjoy them in my young adult life. He was so influential in my developement of music and my love for the arts. His musical contribution to this city will never be forgotten. His music will live in our hearts forever. Love and Prayers to the Kunzel family.
Godspeed Maestro and thank you for the wonderful gift you shared with all of us. You will be terribly missed.
What a treasure, Erich Kunzel. He was truly a gem in the Queen City’s crown. I will miss all the capital performances, his witty style, and his big heart. Thank you, Erich.
When I first joined the staff of the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras as publications manager in 1991, I was scared of Erich! Because of his tremendous energy and vision, the word “no” wasn’t in his vocabulary, and the staff sometimes scrambled to carry out his instructions.
My second tenure at the Orchestra, as public relations manager from 2001-2007, afforded me the privilege of working more closely with him. I was no longer scared. He was warm and funny and brisk all at the same time, and I finally understood that he expected the best from the staff and the orchestra because he gave his all every time he stood on the podium. He also had an astonishing knowledge of living composers and American music, and an uncanny ability to recognize talent.
I’ll never forgot my first 4th of July Pops concert at Riverbend. Erich conducted. The pavilion was full and the lawn was packed with cheering people. When the cannons went off in the “1812″ Overture, I nearly fell out of my seat. I had never experienced such a spectacle! I was honored to attend his final performance at Riverbend on August 1, 2009, and like so many others, I cried that evening.
Erich, you left an indelible mark on Cincinnati. Thank you.
My husband and I are so sad now that you are gone. I, personally, feel as if I’ve known you almost my whole life. The music world will not forget you or your energy. Peace be with you.
It is hard to imagine the world of music without Maestro Kunzel in it. I still have the very first recording I ever purchased of his (Tchaikovsky’s “1812″ – the one with the warnings about digital cannons!). Since that time, I’ve purchased countless other recordings of his and have attended several performances he conducted over many summers at Blossom Music Center up here near Cleveland. Fortunately, his musical legacy will live on forever with the voluminous catalog of recorded material he left for us to enjoy.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Maestro Kunzel’s family. I would like to think he’s already in the midst of some marvelous conversations with many of the masters whose music he lovingly performed during his lifetime here on earth. Blessings to all of you.
Erich Kunzel was a most amazing example of the kind of ripple effect the arts have on our city.
He was a connector. He brought all kinds of people together – sometimes in the most unlikely of places. And he helped to put our city on the map as a place to visit: to see art and to make art. He made music available to everyone and he brought together many of our region’s wonderful big and small arts and culture organizations to the delight of everyone.
“My first experience with Erich was as a student singer at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music,” said Mary McCullough-Hudson, President of the Fine Arts Fund. “Dave Brubeck came to town to record his new work with the orchestra and university vocalists. After the recording, Erich took the show on the road, first locally at Moonlight Gardens in Coney Island and then to the Ohio State Fair. Our symphony, the students, and world-famous jazz musicians followed the Brubeck piece with a performance of songs from two rock-operas – Hair and Tommy – for the State Fair visitors – only Erich Kunzel could have put this together!”
We will feel his impact on our city for generations and he’ll continue to be an inspiration to all of us as we work to ensure continued benefits of the arts for people across our region.
We too are deeply saddened by the loss of Maestro Kunzel. Erich brought a richness and joy to the audience, the orchestra and the artist that he shared the stage with. We are so blessed to have had Erich in our city bringing the culture and excitement of the POPS to our lives over the years.
Although some might say that everything must end, we truly believe that what Erich Kunzul brought to the world will never end. Thank you for everything you have done and may God bless you and care for your family during this difficult time.
Back in the mid-80’s during a Pops Concert at Devu Park in Covington, Kentucky, Mr. Kunzel was conducting the “l812 Overture” (without cannons or bells), A policeman thought it would be nice to fire a shotgun into the back of a empty frieght-truck. Unfortunately no one told Mr. Kunzel. During the dramatic conclison to the piece there was a large “BOOM!”. It was the first time I ever seen anyone jump two feet into the air striaght up and back and continue conducting.
Maestro Kunzel – We thank God for the gift of “You” and your ability to make our spirits soar above the clouds with your music! Your passing is a great loss to this world, but a blessing to Heaven! You will always be loved and remembered!
Maestro Kunzel was a wonderful man, his legacy will live on through his beautiful music. We got to know him because he welcomed our son to the Pops and performed with him many times under his wings. He was such a great teacher to the young musicians and performers and we feel honored our son was able to know him. Thanks Eric and rest in peace!
I have many fond memories of attending Pops concerts with my grandfather. When nothing else seemed to draw him away from the chronic pain of his aging and injured body, he would still get excited about attending the Pops series. Maestro Kunzel never failed to entertain us or make us laugh.
I once had the pleasure of singing in the chorus for a 4th of July concert and was able to see him work up close. He managed to be supportive and demanding at the same time. I enjoyed watching him interact with the soloists and particularly his support of young and local musicians.
He truly was a showman and entertainer. His presence in our community will be greatly missed.
May we do our best to carry on the legacy that was built by a true passion for the pops. Eternal gratitude for Erich Kunzel’s work. Rest in peace Maestro.
As Mr Dorsey and other fellow SCPA alum will tell you, Maestro Kunzel, Erich, was a continuous presence in our lives. My story started out as “one of those kids” performing with the childrens chorus on repeated performances and albums, and growing into a young man sent out to fundraisers with Erich for the new school (Which, by the way, I believe our first year of fundraising was either 1994 or 1995 for the new school, can anyone else confirm this?) He was a gentle guiding figure, who would invite us to eat and talk about our dreams and ambitions, and offer words of encouragement and advice in return. People said he was crazy when he proposed the new campus and that the money never would come together. Now look at us, today, a shining example of never giving up and the school SO CLOSE to completion. I only wish he could have joined us at the proud opening of the new school.
His advice has guided my life and career, and for just that alone I am forever thankful.
Thank you, Erich, for giving all you could for dreams and the future.
-Howard Newstate
SCPA c/o ‘98
My wife and I have had tickets to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s pop series for about 6 years. Erich Kunzel has been a guest conductor every year and was always a highlight for us. I always looked forward to seeing him. We will miss that. Our sincere sympathy goes out to his family.
The world of music will never forget you or your energy. Peace.
Thanks for all the joy and happiness!
Erich, we will miss you terribly. As a member of the May Festival Chorus, I had the good fortune to have performed in many concerts under your direction over the years and many of those memories t are flooding back as I think of those years. You always made making music fun and full of surprises.
My deepest sympathy to the Kunzel family.
Erich, May you rest in peace.
When I was in high school, I had the greatest honor of singing with the Pops with the rest of my high school choir for the New Year’s concert “Putting on the Ritz” It’s one of the greatest memories of my life, and Maestro Kunzel’s energy and humor entertained everyone. I am glad to have met you if even for a few moments and Cincinnati will never be the same without you.
Who can forget the RIVETING and WARP SPEED “Star Wars” Performances with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra!! AND MANY MORE fantastic Performances with our dearly departed Maestro, Erich Kunzel! A Phenomenal Showman, a Consummate Professional, a Brilliant Humorist, and a truly Friendly Guy!! His Precision and Radiance will be MISSED!
Few people in this world touch as many people as you have Maestro. Music is the common denominator at the root of humanity and you made it shine for us all.
Bless you and your family.
Thank you, Maestro Erich, for the wonderful opportunities and rich experiences you gave our students. You will be missed!
Thank you for bringing such life to classical music. I was honored to be one of the Square Dancers for both the Music Hall program and 2 River Bend programs. You will be truly missed.
I didn’t know I was going to get hooked on the Pops, but how could I not with you as conductor.
Your energy and your talent can never be erased from my memory and thousands of others. I started going in my twenties, and now love the pops more in my forties. I am very glad my son had the honor to see you last year, and we will miss you.
I remember at age 10 (a long time age), our grade school class took a field trip down to Music Hall to see the Cincinnati Orchestra rehearse. Maestro Kunzel was a young, vibrant, excited conductor. Most of us kids had never seen or heard anything like the music we heard live and in person that day. We couldn’t help but fall in love with the sound they created and the excitement that young conductor had was absolutely infectious!! To this day – I have not and will not ever forget!! Thank you, Maestro, for making the music come alive for all of us!!! We will miss you!! Cincinnati has lost a true gem!!
What a loss the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky has suffered with the untimely passing of Erich Kunzel! Our summer subscription to the Pops at Riverbend won’t be the same. His energy and absolute love of music was so evident! May he rest in peace.
Words cannot describe the sadness I feel today. Since becoming subscribers to the Pops series in the early 1980’s, the joy that Erich and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra have brought to our lives is immeasurable.
Rest in peace, Maestro, but I’m sure that God is expecting a resounding performance from His heavenly orchestra with you holding the baton very soon.
Erich, I cannot imagine what the music in heaven will be like with you up there. I hope you hire me when I arrive. We would have so much outrageous fun. I hope there are pigs slipping on the marble floors, aerial artists with wings, and Gospel choirs all giving there all for you. And CLOGGERS, LOTS OF THEM. And I hope all the military personnel come to greet you, as you always paid such great tribute to them in concerts down here on earth. Please take care of my beloved Golden Retriever, Cadi, and take her for a walk for me from time to time. We decided to get a Golden when we were in Maine, so it’s up to you to take care of her for me. Oh, and can we please do some Sondheim when I get there? PLEASE????
Thanks Eric for all you did for Cincinati and our arts community. We also appreciate your efforts in the Naples area. Your music brought us much joy and relaxation. May your family find comfort knowing that you are in a better place. Peace to all.
Thank you, E.K., for the wild ride we had the past thirty-some years. Your enthusiasm, knowledge, GREAT ears, skill and creativity always made for some of the BEST – and most fun – recording session experiences I ever had. You would always trust us to capture the amazing music that you and the Pops created, along with the sometimes zanny moments that we’ll all still be talking about for years to come. You allowed so much room for everyone’s creativity and I know that many, many will thank you for the tremendous opportunities you gave so generously. Every time I’d bring the next Kunzel and The Pops project home, my family thoroughly enjoyed the music and creativity that was there every time. I know that you and the Pops brought joy to millions of hearts in the world. You certainly did bring it to mine!
This is a very sad day indeed for us, but I’m glad you’re on to the next adventure. Thank you, Erich! Peace…
Kimberly and I salute Erich’s memory. We both were students at CCM in the late 1960’s and sang under his baton in the production of PRINCE IGOR that he conducted with the students in early 1968. He was a terrific conductor and he made the experience most memorable. We are about to move to Cincinnati after many years away from that great city and we are very sorry that Maestro Kunzel will not be there to make our Cincinnati experience even more pleasurable.
So many memories, such a big heart that he shared with everyone. He could make the masses feel like family. There are not enough words in all the languages to express our appreciation and our sorrow today.
When we lived in the Cincinnati area it was a pleasure to go to the Pops concerts. Now that we live far away, it’s still a pleasure to go back for some cocerts. We will miss Erich tremendously, but he brought so much joy to so many people that he will live in many memories forever.
I had the opportunity to work with Maestro Erich Kunzel as an assistant librarian with the Cincinnati Symphony 12 or so years ago as a grad student. My most vivid memory of him was while working on a recording. He was listening to the playback and all of sudden, he stands up and yells: “3rd clarinet, measure whatever it wason the and of beat three is playing the wrong note. Change the note to a b flat!” It was absolutely amazing what an ear for perfection he had. Which cd was that? Webber?
It was an absoulte privilege to cross paths with you, Maestro. You will live for always in our memories.
What a treasure Erich Kunzel has always been to our city. Erich, you will be sorely missed. You brought the generations together time and time again with your music. You shared your gift with so many and will never be forgotten.
Dear Mrs. Kunzel,
I am just as sad as you are for the loss of your husband. I admired him so much i will tell you a story. The story is about my life with the pops. it starts out in 1998 when I was not even born. My mom was pregnant with me and she and my dad were at a pops concert. During when your husband said hey, every time she wound feel me kick to the rythem. Then when I was 2 we went to the christmas concert and after it was done i said “Again, Again! Then when I was 5, for halloween i even dressed up like him and started conducting to music. And then last year He even played to me when I found out I was moving. Now, as I am doing so many musicals (thanks to him) I am even playing Amahl in amahl and the night visitors.
God Bless You!
Tim Bates
When the Pops did the Music of Star Trek concert, I traveled from Alabama to see it. One of the pops members was king enough to take my CD backstage and have Erich sign it for me. Even tho I didn’t get to meet the maestro, I had a front row seat to finally see a man whose cd’s I had adored since high school.
RIP, Maestro
He gave so much to us all. His verve was endless and what a sense of humor! Shortly after arriving in Cincinnati the Kunzels joined us for dinner at our house. As I shook his hand he turned to my side and said, “I’d like you to meet my wife, Brunhilde”. I turned and looked up sharply right over her head. Erich roared with laughter, saying,”It happens all the time!”
To Brunhilde, thanks for sharing him with all of us for quite a while.
My deepest sympathy to the Kunzel family and the Cincinnati Pops family. He was a fantastic talent and will be sorely missed.
His dreams will enrich our city long after all of us who have enjoyed his concerts are gone
When I heard the sad news this afternoon my first thoughts were of the 30+ years my wife and I have enjoyed Maestro Kunzel’s warm personality and magnificent concerts.
I also recalled two of my favorite quotes. This one from Romeo and Juliet:
“When he shall die
take him and cut him out into little stars.
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
that all the world will be in love with night. . .”
and this one from “Cyrano de Bergerac”:
“Tonight when I enter before God
my salute shall sweep all the stars
from the blue threshold. . .”
Don Burns
In 2001, I had the privilege of singing as a member of the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for a Hallowe’en pops concert Maestro Kunzel conducted. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had under any conductor. I learned so much from him in the 3 days, including in the rehearsals, soundchecks and post concert. He was also one of the most personable conductor’s I’ve ever worked under.
Requiescat In Pace Maestro Kunzel, your will be missed.
Chris Norman, Tenor
As a CCM student and then young arts manager from the late 1970s thru the mid-90s, I respected Maestro Kunzel for his inspired melding of “fine” and “popular” musical art. He brought inspiration adn honor to the city. My peers who apprenticed with him have gone on to fine careers of their own. Seeing the maestro in his (inter)national career has made me feel honored to have met him and always grateful to Cincinnati for all I learned there. Kunzel transformed music and transformed lives — a remarkable gift for us all.
Rest In Peace, Erich, and thank you for leaving all of our lives richer.
Dearest Maestro Kunzel,
You have brought such joy, excellence, superb showmanship and tutelage to all of us here…in fact you have been a treasure to me from the very first of your concerts in Music Hall. A gem inside of a gem! I’ll miss you terribly, I wish you peace; how happy I am that I was there to share that outstanding Rodgers & Hammerstein Riverbend concert — it was truly my favorite Riverbend concert ever! And I guess your good-bye as well. I will always remember your enthusiasm and the high quality of each POPS Concert —- thank you for the treasure you have been to all Cincinnatians over so many years.
Your music will never end and my deepest sympathies go to your family and all of our City! Bless You.
SUE MARKS
For a man with such incredible talent he connected with his audience with overwhelming enthusiasm for the music and performers. We treasure every memory of his concerts. Our hearts are sad for all those who were close to him. Words are inadequate.
There once was a Wide-Eyed third grader who sat in her school gym watching the flute and piccolo section of the CSO, play the trio of Stars and Stripes Forever. In her mind she thought- I will do that someday. Eight years later that dream became reality, when as a Junior she not only played it, but played it so well, her band was able to play it as Sousa had desired it to be played, FAST AS YOU CAN SECOND TIME THROUGH. It became so requested that it was played at every concert the following year. Today, that now 50 year old, grabbed her piccolo, played the trio, but a bit slower and with tears streaming down her face.
Thank you Maestro Kunzel, Dreams Do Come True! All because of a concert in a grade school gym, you brought music to my life.
Thanks for the memories! The most recent concerts were incredible. When you conducted the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing “Come, Come Ye Saints” it was heavenly. And when we sang along on August 1st at Riverbend it was unforgettable. I will always remember both of those concerts as well as many others.
Thanks for the beautiful music.
I’ve heard Erich conduct our own fine Toronto Symphony Orchestra on many occasions, and will miss him greatly. I’ll always remember his energy and wit, and his obvious passion for the music. My sincere sympathies to his wife and family.
I will never forget going to Erich Kunzel’s annual Cincinnati Pops “Concert on the Green” in Forest Park. That concert always meant the beginning of summer for me. Maestro Kunzel’s passion for sharing the joy of music with the community has positively affected so many and I am thankful to have been a part of it. He will be greatly missed.
To the family, orchestral and personal, of Erich Kunzel,
Maestro Kunzel will always hold a very cherished place in my heart. I was privileged to be the first freshman at CCM to be a member of the Philharmonia Orchestra. I will always remember how patiently he worked with us on Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, and how he made me love playing in an orchestra. It has been an honor to know him and to have worked with him. I’m so lucky to have many fond memories of working with him! My deepest sympathy to you!
Goodbye to a true treasure of the city and community of Cincinnati. A resident here from 1996-2000 and again since 2005, I am proud to talk about my new home and the wonderful music and arts programs available here. One of the first things I purchased upon relocating here was a Pops subscription and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’m sure we all will help carry on the work and life of the maestro. He was such a wonderful light and inspiration. May he rest in peace.
I too am saddened at the loss of such a great man and artist. He WAS the arts to Cincinnati. My memories are vast of watching and listening to him – he was such a part of developing my love of music starting with the school concerts he conducted at music hall – ah the many students that all arrived on the school buses fell in love with him. The 1812 overture, his patriotic love for our country, his wit and intolerance for those late arrivals to the performances. And his love for the children and the school of creative and performing arts was enormous. There will be no replacement for this man and his heart. Thank you maestro for all that you gave to us – our city and the world of music will mis you and forever enjoy your legacy. Rest in peace.
Dear Erich:
I am so thankful that I was able to enjoy your musicianship — first as an audience member and then under your baton as a member of the May Festival Chorus. Many in Cincinnati and in the musical world will miss your music, your energy and your contribution to the arts. But we, especially, in the orchestra and in the chorus will miss what we saw on stage when you were conducting: your face, filled with the love of music, while you sang along with all the soloists, all the while listening for every single note of every single instrument and every single voice. Somehow I thought all that exuberance would beat the big C, as it said on that audacious blue wristband you wore after May. We will miss you, but we know they’re throwing a heck of a concert up in heaven right now, with a little “hey” on the end of a few songs. I can hear it now: “Angels! Take a bow!”
With much love and gratitude. I’ll see you on the radio.
Rest in peace, Maestro. Thank you for giving us so much.
Only a month… Only a month since Maestro Kunzel’s last appearance. Well, we will miss you, sir. Thanks for everything you did to make the Tri-State a better place.
Mr. Mayor… I think we know what name should be placed on that new school.
To the Kunzel Family and the Cincinnati Community,
I am sorry to hear of Mr Kunzel’s passing. Although I never had a chance to come to one of the Cincinnati Pops concerts, I heard it many times on the radio and always dreamed of what it would be like to hear see him and the hear the concert in person. He will be missed by those of us who attended your concerts on the radio. Thanks
I am saddeded with the passing of Mr Kenzel, A great musician and a great man. I watched all the concerts on the holidays. Missed him at the concert at riverbend and the concert at the in winton woods. Loved the concerts honoring our veterans. Thanks for all the memories you gave us. Rest in peace maestro Kenzel, no more pain.
When Music Hall was undergoing renovations in 1970-71, the CSO used our high school gym (St. X) for several rehearsals. A subset of the full orchestra had been on-site that week as part of an outreach program with high school bands and orchestras. While far from acoustically optimal, I guess our gym / auditorium was a convenient venue for that week.
A piano was required and a group was sent down to the band room to fetch our old upright. Now consider that we were “treating” pianos long before certain New Age and minimalist composers were composing for them. This particular piano had been subjected to any number of modifications by band members for reasons unknown.
In any event, Erich – who was conducting the rehearsals, sat down at the piano presumably to assess its state of tune and audibility in the gym. Along with the expected melody line, Erich received a clanging accompaniment. My fellow bandmates and I standing nearby started to snicker. Erich stood up bemused and lifted the lid on the piano to determine the source. The lid promptly fell off. By this time, Marie Speziale and Eugene Espino were watching and started laughing too as Erich prized several Coke cans from between the hammers and the soundboard. Unfazed but still smiling, he pronounced the piano fit and called for the musicians to the stage.
We will miss you Erich!
My mother has been a subscriber for many, many years and although I live in Chicago I have arranged many visits in order to have the great pleasure and delight of experiencing an evening with Eric Kunzel. It was exhilirating to be present as he introduced his guests and orchestra with such great aplomb and enthusiasm. My whole family is so saddened by the loss to Cincinnati and to the Pops. He has left a lasting mark on all of our hearts.
Today we have lost not only a giant of music but a true world ambassador. Thank you Maestro for all the pleasure you have brought to so many people.
God bless you and your family. Thank you for your forward thinking, passion and vision toward the
future of arts in Cincinnati and the greater world. Our hearts will be sad until we remember how
you conducted the music that is life.
My fondest memories of my first years singing with Mormon Tabernacle Choir will forever include singing under the baton of our beloved guest conductor Maestro Kunzel. His personality, kindness, talent, vigor and love for music and people will always leave a wonderful impression on me. God be with you till we meet again, friend.
Thank you Eric for everything you have done all these years (isn’t it close to 45?) to bring music into the lives of so many people in Cincinnati and around the world. It was always fun, interesting, and often different and challenging to play with you. We often didn’t know what to expect. That is what made you so successful in getting people excited about your remarkable programs.
Of course we can’t forget your dream of the SCPA. What a remarkable contribution you made by bringing this dream to fruition.
Thanks Eric, for all the fun I had with you throughout the years.
Dick Waller
Today, Cincinnati has lost one of its most beloved ambassadors. Erich Kunzel was not only one of the most talented and decorated conductors in American history, he was also one of this area’s most passionate advocates, taking his love for the city, music and the arts in his travels around the globe. Erich’s extraordinary achievements over a brilliant career helped establish Cincinnati as one of the world’s great centers for music and the arts.
I grew up like countless Cincinnatians attending his many Pops concerts in the parks on warm summer nights under the stars. Most recently, I had the extraordinary privilege of working closely with Erich to compete internationally to bring the 2012 World Choir Games to Cincinnati USA. His boundless energy, enthusiasm and creativity over the past year helped us win the World Choir Games and bolster our already sterling global reputation for great music, great venues and great people. His leadership for how Cincinnati will successfully host the 2012 Games, especially his vision for events like the opening and closing ceremonies, will provide a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Erich was a great conductor. But he was an even better man, and a great friend to the entire Cincinnati community. He has conducted his final performance but his spirit will live on and his legacy will never fade. Thank you Maestro for a lifetime of service to your craft and to the people of Cincinnati.”
What an honor it was to sing under Erich’s direction as a Singing Hoosier for 2 successful cd’s while attending Indiana University. He was such an inspiration and joy to work with and I am truly saddened that he will no longer be with us. Erich, thank you for all you gave to the musical world and we will truly miss you. Rest in peace.
Lora
Maestro Kunzel’s association with CCM has been long and storied. His influence upon our programs and generations of students has been both wide and deep. We are very deeply saddened by the news of Erich’s passing and are so gratified that through his massive recorded legacy the generosity of his spirit and the exacting liveliness of his music making will endure forever. All of us at CCM honor his legacy and send our deepest sympathies to his family.
Vale Erich and from the bottom of our hearts, thank you Maestro!
A sad day for all of us in Cincinnati and the world–for Eric Kunzel truly was a person of the world, and fortunately for us, of Cincinnati.
My late wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Eric and spending about 15 minutes with him and Mel Torme after a New Years Eve concert at Music Hall in the early 1990’s—we had purchased the dinner package, and Eric and his “secretary” were “working” the room. I had a booklet from Mel Torme’s “Porgy and Bess” album (on Bethlehem records with Francis Faye) and Eric instructed his “man” to give us directions to the “Green room” after the concert—-we (Eric–Mel–my wife and I) met immediately after the concert–we followed Mel down the hall to the Green room–and spent at least 15 minutes together–going through the booklet(which was about 20 years old) and both Mel and Eric made numerous comments about the various musicians listed in the booklet, that Mel had worked with on the album.
Both Eric and Mel treated us with the most respect, and lack of stardom/ego–it was a moment that I have never forgotten and never will—both are remembered with great fondness and appreciation for their talent and humilty.
As a subsriber to the Eight O’Clock Concert series from the year before Erich Kunzel came to Cincinnati, I have had the extreme pleasure of enjoying his musical magic for each of his 44 years as Conductor. The King is gone, but never forgotten. Long live the Cincinnati Pops, the lasting legacy of Maestro Erich Kunzel.
Thank You Erich Kunzel and Mrs. Erich Kunzel
Dear Maestro Erich
My heart is hurting so bad right now. I can’t believe you are really gone. You brought so much joy into my life with your music. I owe you for my love of the symphony. I have been to many of your performances at my favorite Music Hall. I remember going to the concerts in the park back in the 80’s..my favorite being the 1812 overture- you did such an awesome job of that overture..I have watched your many holiday performances summer and Christmas on PBS and I have several of your CD’s… and you were always so in to the music, I enjoyed watching you conduct almost as much as the music–you loved what you did and it showed. The world and greater cinti in particular has lost a music icon today. God bless you –keep the angels singing and the music playing. I plan to hear your music and see you conduct again. God bless and keep your family and friends in His loving arms during this sad time.. all are in my prayers. thanks for the great memories
Thank you for the many evenings that I spent with my wife, Cheryl; where we relaxed and enjoyed your talent and that of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. We shall miss you.
Deepest sympathy to the Kunzel family. Erich Kunzel was one of my favorite conductors and will always have a place in my heart along with my hometown, Cincinnati. He will be greatly missed.
enjoyed your many concerts through the years in Cincy.So very much The Prince of Pops. May you rest in peace.
Stunning… Hard to believe. I only got to see Erich twice but it was a real pleasure each time. Atleast you will live on through our ears, minds and hearts.
Dear Maestro Kunzel,
Thanks for your inspiration to all of the young people of the Cincinnati Children’s Choir who were honored to have worked with you. You have encouraged and inspired them and have given them memories that will last a lifetime. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Thank you for bringing so much happiness to everyone. Free concerts in the Park were eagerly anticipated by a poor college student in search of an affordable joyous evening with a sweetie! I subscribed to the Pops because of my “freebies”. Plus you have a cute butt!
Your spirit is free to roam and bring more musical inspirations to all!
You brought beauty and class to all, even when you unashamedly hawked your latest Pops CDs and cookbook – I bought all!
May SCPA be called The Erich Kunzel SCPA in your honor!!!
My fondest memory of Mr. Kunzel was because of a great opportunity I had in grade school. The Cincinnati Public Schools offered concerts at Music Hall for 50 cents a piece in the mid-to late 60’s. I am very greateful my parents let me attend; for my only access to classical music/Pops orchestra was during Saturday morning cartoons–Bugs Bunny. As a young third grader I as in awe of my surroundings and of what was happening before my eyes. A young energetic conductor stood before me and the orchestra. A wondrous sound came to me as I watched the conductor with his hair bopping with every movement he made. I will always remember my introduction to classical music. My other favorite memory was watching him and the National Orchestra on PBS in Washington DC. What a great gift I received. I will be forever cherish my memories of Mr. Kunzel. Godspeed, Maestro.
Such passion, joy and love of music can only be rivaled in your new home in heaven. Erich, you were a joy to work for, and you did more for Cincinnati’s image in the world than any great company, sports team or individual. I will never forget the long lines of young people in Taiwan and Japan waiting hours for your autograph and a photo – and you made each of them feel special. That was your gift – in person and on the podium. Many thanks for great music and great memories.
What an inspiration Erich has been to so many people young and old. I have young children and we have season tickets to the Pops, Erich inspired them more than words can say. It was an honor to have experienced the concerts that he conducted. Godspeed.
Blessings to a truly wonderful man…many happy memories of attending his performances, and enjoying his animated conducting and his many antics. We among thousands and thousands will miss him.
I will miss you,maestro! I have several of your cd’s in my collection. I enjoyed seeing and hearing you on the 4th of July in Washington,each summer! The Memorial concerts,as well! My Dad went to school,in Cincinnati (college) and learned to love opera and good German beer and food,there! Enjoy Heaven!!!!
My heart is sad but you gave it so much joy. I am so thankful for you gifts to the world. May your family be comforted by the joy you gave others.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a 1,000 winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sun on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled light
I am the soft star that shines at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there; I did not die.
There should be no doubt that the new school should be named in his honor. What joy he brought to our city!
He was the best – everything a pops maestro could and should be: exuberant, entertaining, larger-than-life, with superb ears, impeccable musical instincts and taste, and a unique fashion sense. His concerts and recordings were unerringly terrific, whether he and the orchestra were “Sailing”, or “Down on the Farm”, or thundering through movie epics, or dancing down Broadway to Tin Pan Alley. Post-concert dinners immediately morphed into roaring parties when he arrived (famished) on the scene, and the concerts themselves were tour de force orchestral showcase entertainment of the very highest order. And how he LOVED his audiences — what an affair that was! To paraphrase Cole Porter, he was Mahatma Gandhi, Napoleon Brandy, the purple light of a summer night in Spain, the National Gallery, Garbo’s salary, and cellophane, all rolled into a parade-leading, standard-setting Music Man. I’m a fan, and always will be.
Erich,
Thank you for so many happy moments heard on WRTI-FM in Philadelphia, Pa.
The first Pops concert I went to was when Cleo Laine was a guest vocalist many years ago. She sang Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Wave accompanied by the Pops. It may be the most perfect 8 minutes of music I have ever experienced. Thanks Erich for that wonderful, wonderful concert.
As a teenager in Cincinnati in the ’60s, I enjoyed Erich Kunzel’s Pops concerts in the park and at Music Hall as much as I enjoyed the great rock concerts of the era. He was responsible for cementing a love of the Pops in me and in thousands and thousands of others of my generation and succeeding generations. I still feel a swell of pride thinking back – living in Canada in the 80s and 90s and hearing the CBC classical announcer refer to Maestro Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops as “the Premier Pops orchestra in the world.” There can be no one like Erich Kunzel – he was the best!
Goodbye to greatness.
My husband, Tim, and I celebrated many anniversaries at the Holiday Pops concert with the Maestro. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be part of the audience. He was always engaging, witty, and delightful. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue with the Cincinnati Pops.
You are “Cincinnati” to me….
God bless you, Maestro Kunzel…
My Dearest Friend Erich, We will truely miss hearing & seeing you in your concerts. Our days at Dartmouth in the band were great. It was so good to see you and Bruni at your concerts and at the Dartmouth events. My heart goes out to Bruni and your loving Brother. God speed and carry on with your music in heaven. Till we see each other again. Warmest Regards Ron & Beverly
The “Heart-Song” of Cincinnati has left us to direct the Angels’ Choir!
God bless! and God bless your family!
I can still recall the first time I witnessed Erich Kunzel take the podium. I was in 2nd Grade and our school was in attendance at Music Hall. “Peter and the Wolf” was on the part of the program that day and it was that piece that got me hooked on orchestral music. Not only due to the music itself, but also for the energetic way in which Mr. Kunzel introduced the piece. I feel so fortunate to have seen Erich conduct one last time when I took my mother to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir recently at Riverbend. It was a performance that neither of us will soon forget. The Cincinnati area has lost a true champion of the arts. Thank you Erich for being such a great supporter and role model throughout your career.
Maestro, beloved to countless music lovers, blessings to you as you transcend this realm. Your music transcends this realm and will stay with us as a bridge to you. What an honor it was to sing with you and record for you. My tears are love for the great moments we shared. Blessings to your family at this time of sorrow. Having lost my father this year, I know the pain of such profound loss and send hugs to any who need them.
My 1st date with my husband was to hear the Pops. Years later we loved introducing the “love of music” to our children with grass passes at Riverbend to hear the Pops! One of the coolest moments in my life was sitting on the Capital lawn as Eric Kunzel conducted the MS0 4th of July 1989.
The August Riverbend concert was so sad but I am so glad that I was there. I cried as we sang the last songs with Erick. Erich has brought me so much joy in the 18 yrs. that I was a POPS subscriber. What talent, creativity, and enthusiasm! Thanks for the great joy that you have brought me! You will be greatly missed!
As a child Erich Kunzel started my love of the classics during school field-trips to the Cincinnati Music Hall. As an audult I continually come back to his music for comfort and joy.
Thanks for expanding my horizons and giving me the gift of music. God Bless and Godspeed.
Wow, what a legacy you leave. As a student at XU and UC and 12-year resident of Cincinnati in the 80s and 90s some of my fondest memories were listening to music and watching you conduct. My friends and I were thrilled that live performances were so accessible (to penny-pinching students) in Cincinnat. May you rest in peace.
Dear Erich,
Thank you for your vision and thank you for your music. You will definitely be missed.
I had the opportunity to perform in and choreographed a few concerts with Erich in the early 90’s. No matter how outlandish or “cheesy” I may have thought his direction might have been, he truly understood his vision of a performance and intimately knew what his audience wanted. Thank you Erich for the opportunity to spend my 15 minutes of fame with you. I look back on those times as some of the best of my life. I’d like to say “Rest in Peace”, but I have a feeling you are already shaking things up in the afterlife! Brunhilde, I am so sorry for your loss.
I met Mr. Krunzl once many years ago at a Christmas concert sponcered my Delta Airlines. He was a wonder man. He will truly be missed!
Dear Erich!
What sadness to hear of your untimely death! I cried at the heartbreaking news. What a loss for us all!
Your joie de vivre brought an infectious zest to your orchestral productions; your unbounded creativity lent a sense of awe, wonder, & delight (what 3-ring circus will next grace our Music Hall stage??). Over the years, I’ve dropped all my other professional entertainment subscriptions—but I will hold onto my Pops seats forever!! Every concert is such a jubilant celebration of life & creativity, a “recharging” of my spiritual batteries–such an absolute joy! Your spirit infused every performer on that stage—it brought out the very best in our brilliant CSO/Pops musicians, as well as every guest performer that ever graced that stage. What a blessing you have been to us music lovers, here in Cincinnati, the nation, and indeed, the world, for whom you have become an icon for popularizing musical arts.
I hope the Mayor will proclaim an Erich Kunzel Day to immortalize your legacy to the arts & to this city. At the very least, I hope your beloved School for the Creative & Performing Arts will be named after you. Regardless—fond memories will be emblazoned in the hearts of your adoring audiences forever! We will miss you more than words can tell.
My deepest condolences to Brunhilde & the Kunzel family. Thank you for sharing Erich with us for all these years! He’ll turn Heaven on its ear; by time we get there, Angelic choirs will have made Top 10 Billboard charts!!
Thank you, Erich, for all you have been, done, & contributed to make the world a better place. We love you.
We are saddened by the loss of Erich, but will treasure each memory of him that we are so fortunate to have in audio and video. He WAS the spirit of Cincinnati.
He used his great talent well and in wonderful ways.
As a member of Indiana University Singing Hoosiers, it was an amazing and humbling experience to perform w/ Maestro Kunzel and the Pops. He was a constant source of perfection and humor in music. My kids love to listen to the Disney CD we recorded w/ the Pops and it brings me hours of enjoyment watching them and reliving those wonderful memories. Thank you, Maestro, for sharing your talent and passion with us. God Bless.
What a sad day it is for Cincinnati. The odd thing is that when I look at all of his accomplishments, I am amazed at how approachable he was. How can someone so extraordinary at the same time be ordinary? “If you can walk with kings and still keep the common touch…….” My fondest memory of Erich was when he emceed the Angels of Music for the first time as a fund raiser for the Cheetah’s at the zoo. A relatively small group attended in the small theatre at the Aranoff for an evening that was unforgettable. I once saw him loading his trunk on the street in downtown Cincinnati one evening and said hello. It felt like seeing an old friend. What an incredible man.
Leslie Dye
Erich was a unique and vibrant personality, trying at times, impatient, a perfectionist, and at the same time, bursting with creativity and inspiration. His many friends here and elsewhere will miss Erich’s energy and vitality, but as so many have already commented, his recordings and the new SCPA will insure that he is always just nearby.
God bless your family.
We are all truly blessed to witness this man’s genius. His work is well catalogued and will be appreciated for generations to come.
farewell dear erich – you have given us so much joy – we so enjoyed your last concert at riverbend – we sing your song – rest in peace.
My wife and I have been huge fans and followers of his long tenure with the POPS. We are saddened by his passing! Cincinnati and the world has lost a marvelous conductor and person. His name and contribution to music and what he has done for this area will be hard to replicate. He was and is a one of a kind.
We have a lot of the Orchestra’s CD’S to help us rememeber him for a long time to come. He truly was unique in his way of delivering his stlye of quality entertainment. Thank God we have so many. memories of his performances. May God Bless him and maybe one day we will meet again. Please convey to his wife our most sincere sympathy, and let her know our prayers are with her and the Maestro.
My biggest regret is that I did not take more opportunities to see/hear you perform through the years. You brought such joy and life to music that very few are able to do. You will be greatly missed but your music will live on forever. Thank you.
I am so sad tonight at the death of Erich Kunzel. He was a magnificent musician and force for good; he brought years of good music and joy to all of us. We are grateful for his life.
I was invited to the after concert party with Arturo Sandoval where I had the opportunity to meet Erich. I asked him if he would sign my program. He pointed to Arturo and said he’s the signature you want to get. A man of grace and humility will be greatly missed. A true American icon.
God bless you and your family.
It was with shock and deep sadness that I just read of the passing of Erich Kunzel. I moved to Altanta three years ago after having lived in the beautiful Queen City for 30 years starting when I was 22 years old. I had no clue what an incredible musical force Mr. Kunzel was until I moved and found there was nobody to match his talent and creativity in the city of Atlanta. I have fond memories of getting lawn tickets on lazy summer nights and spreading out the blanket and watching my children play as my husband and I enjoyed the magic that Mr. Kunzel made on the banks of the Ohio. I made it a point to see a Pops concert every summer when I visited Cincinnati but was unable to make it up there this summer and am devastated that I will never be able to see him conduct again. His joy and passion for music was contagious!
My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Prayers go out to Erich’s family. I remember those school field trip down to Music Hall and the concerts in the park. God bless you.
His passion was contagious. No one could go to a Pops show without being enveloped with Erich’s energy and love of his art. His legacy in this city will live on forever, in the programs he has championed as well as the love that he forged. I will miss him greatly.
My love for music of all kinds pretty clearly stems from his dynamic and entertaining performances my parents took me to as a child. I’ll never forget the intrigue that came from the juxtaposition of wearing a full Halloween costume to Music Hall or listening to the CDs of performances we had attended while decorating the house for Christmas. Kunzel is synonymous with many childhood memories and he will be greatly missed. His influence and passion reached millions and will certainly prove timeless.
What an incredible privilege and honor it was to know and work so closely with Erich for the past 25 years. How very much I learned from him about music, show business, and life. How lucky we all are to have experienced his enormous talents and the multitude of brilliant guest artists, stellar arrangements and inspirational performances he brought to the stage. Keiko and I becoming personal friends with him – more and more as the years went on – was very special icing on what was already a most delectable cake! We love you, Erich. You will FOREVER be in our hearts.
It was an extreme honor to have the opportunity to work with Mr. Kunzel in the pursuit of the World Choir Games for Cincinnati. He lent his unwavering support from the very first moment he learned Cincinnati had the opportunity host this international event. Without question the greatest person of “stature” that I have ever worked with and yet he treated me, my thoughts, my ideas, with respect and equality. I am truly going to miss his involvement with the on-going planning for the World Choir Games. I hope to do him justice by ensuring Cincinnati host an event worthy of his legacy.
Rest in Peace, you will be missed.
Thank you for all of the wonderful albums. They introduced me to a lot of great music and I’ll always treasure them.
Dear Maestro and family,
Being from Hamilton and of German descent, I have been so proud to watch the Maestro perform throughout my life. He is roots to me. Since I have been in Washington for 30 years the one day of the year I rejoice that the great Erich lead the NSO for the Capitol 4th for 25 years! ! Wow, my Cincinnatian in DC…..Awesome! and you do us ALL proud being the patriot you are. Karla
Erich was summer in Cincinnati for our family. We so enjoyed taking our kids, blankets, chairs, and picnic to his Pops Concerts in the Park. Then life brought big changes and we are now expats living in Hong Kong. And in 2005, my husband and I had the privilege of seeing Erich conduct the Hong Kong orchestra in our new home! I knew I could live here then. I loved Erich and will miss him.
Thank you for so many years of beautiful music. Even my children who are 13 and 12 knew who you were. They went to their first Pops Riverbend concert when they were only a few weeks old, and went every year since then.
My daughter’s first remark when she found out was “but he was my favorite conductor”.
I am not sure who will read these, but I do have a funny story from my son when he was around 5 years old. There is a church along I-75 ( I believe it is the Solid Rock Church). Several years ago, they built a Jesus statue. When it was under construction, we drove by on our way to a family Christmas party. So far, the torso and face were finished, and the arms were under construction. Half of the arm was made, and the rest of it had a visible rebar for the construction of the hand and forearm. How imbeded must Erich Kunzel’s face be in my 5 year old child’s that his next remark was “Hey look, they have a statue of Erich Kunzel conducting at that church!!!!” (I guess it was the beard and mustache) and from there on, that is who we thought of when we drove to Dayton.
Maestro Kunzel, may you rest in peace and enjoy conducting the Heavenly Pops.
I will never forget Erich’s energy and enthusiasm on stage. He was a wonderful conductor and a master showman. I am very grateful, as a former member of the May Festival Chorus, to have performed under his baton. I’ll always remember his passion in conducting the chorus in the 1812 Overture, the wonderful Pops concerts at Riverbend, and the Christmas pops at Music Hall.
I am very honored to have performed with Erich Kunzel. God rest his soul and wherever he is, I hope he is making music once more.
Erich,
You have touched many lives, not least of all mine. You have taught me more than anything that music is most meaningful when you share it with others. Cincinnati will never be the same, but I sure am glad that the angels get to sing some extra peppy hymns with hoots and hollers.
God bless you, Maestro.
What a wonderful man. The world will miss your music (sang with you thrice), your ever positive attitude, and your tremendous zest for life…”upward & on to our Father’s home. Salem, Salem, on the horizon, piercing the blue like a living light…..”
We were married in 1964 and attended the very first 1965 Pops concert. We have been subscribers to the Pops, both at Music Hall and at Riverbend, every year since. Our sense of loss is profound. Erich provided so much joy with so many wonderfully entertaining evenings over those years. We have been blessed to live in Cincinnati and been a part of all of this. He will be greatly missed. I’m so glad we were able to say good-by at that last wonderful concert on August 1. Our sympathy to his family. We will always cherish his memory.
I have many wonderful memories of both the Symphony and the Pops with Erich leading. My father took me as a young girl to many many concerts. We have lost a great talent! What beautiful music will be in heaven !!!!! My condolences and prayers to the family
R.I.P. Maestro, and thank you.
One of my favorite music albums of all time is The Cincinnati Pops’ “Copland: The Music of America.”
Maestro Kunzel, I join the millions who mourn at the end of your earthly life. As a music lover your recordings brought me great joy.
I was fortunate to have seen your concert at the Esplanade almost four years ago, and I was even more gladdened that you signed my CD of Rodgres & Hammerstein suites. Although you are no longer with us I will still remember that encounter and the autographed CD. I would have gladly looked forward to a full-length Star Wars CD from you, but sadly will never get it.
But I know the Pops will be there to greet you in heaven.
Godspeed and God Bless from Singapore.
Simply…thank you for the music.
We were fortunate, in our short time, to be witness to the Maestro’s work. He brought great joy to our family each and every time we were in his presence. He will be missed. Our condolences to his family and to his beloved city, Cincinnati.
New Year’s Eve celebration will not be the same without Erich. He made it a perfect start to the new year. We are blessed to have spent this time with him each year. We will miss you Erich and never forget you.
My Deareest Erich,
How can I ever express my gratitude and love for all of the music you brought to my life, and moreover, to the LIFE you brought to my life! I was a much younger woman when we would stay up till the wee hours, yucking it up over several drinks. Then we’d have “brainstorming” meetings at 8 am to plan recording repertoire, and you’d be all perky and I’d be an absolute disaster!!!
Which recording sessions could I call my favorite— there were so many! There was “Chiller” where we all dressed up; “Down on the Farm” with live animals on stage; Stars Wars, and all the movie music we did, the first “Disney”; Straussfest— no explosion left unexploded!!! and there was “The Sound of Music” which I will never ever forget—
“A bell is no bell till you ring it. A song is no song till you sing it. And love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay. Love isn’t love till you give it away….”
You gave me lots of love, and because of you, I have an off-the-charts-awesome life.
I know you are on the next part of your adventure, and I wish you all the love you have always given to others. And to you, Brunie— we love and adore you.
Always and forever in my heart.
Dear Erich, I will never forget all the performances I have had the privilege to share with you. It was always so fun and to work with you. My favorite, of course, is the Thanksgiving Show we did for PBS. You let a local girl, like me, stand in for Sandy Patti at a TV rehearsal she could not make. My few numbers singing solo under your baton will always be treasured moments. I know heaven is enjoying your talent and enthusiasm for music. Just one last thing to say – “Hey!” Love you! Jeanne
I felt so sad to hear about Erik’s passing. My mom ,Janet , and I used to bring my grandma in her wheel chair to see Erik and the Pops. She loved the German waltzes. Mom and I still come to the Sunday concerts. We are so glad to have seen the last concert that he conducted at Riverbend. He’s now conducting the choir and orchestra in heaven. I am 28 years old and have Down syndrome. I have loved Erik Kunzel for as long as I can remember. My prayers are with Erik’s family.
Godspeed Maestro. Your recordings and your orchestra inspired me as a musican and bring me joy in listening to this day. An irreplaceable loss for Cincinnati and the music world. God bless you and your family.
Our greatest condolences to Maestro Kunzel’s wife and his family during this difficult. We also would like to thank his wife for allowing him to share his talents not only with our city, but also around the world.
I, too, have lost many family members to this horrible disease and it will be a blessed and wonderful day when a cure for ALL cancers is found. Again, we are feeling your pain and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Your work here on earth is done, Maestro. Rest in eternal peace!
We shall never forget the wonderful nights spent at the POPS!! Christmas was never really in full swing until we had been to the POPS in December! And there was many a “soccer Sunday” night when we thought we were just too tired to go to the concert – but we would find ourselves sitting in Music Hall wondering how we could have ever considered missing a performance! Our kids will never forget those wonderful evenings filled with singing and dancing and glorious music. The “man in the red coat” will be forever etched in their minds!!
Our daughter Wendy was invited to perform on stage as a dancer with the Cincinnati Ballet’s Academy for the Pops wonderful Christmas show. As the music for the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy started Mr. Kunzel smiled and announced “Ah the little dahlings”. The photo of Wendy dancing with Erich Kunzel and his orchestra has always been of my most prized possesions. It is all the more precious to our family now.
Maestro Kunzel could reach out and touch the audience in a personal way, letting you know that it was HIS pleasure to bring you the outstanding shows and concerts he conducted. He helped make the Cincinnati arts alive. My sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. He will never be forgotten.
If there is a ’spirit’ that exists in us all, Erich had the talent to ignite us and connect us to it through his music, his performances and his unique ‘typically Erich’ commentary. Erich could sell and play the worst music and pass it off as a masterpiece-through his personality and musical style. He was the best at rehearsing the least. He was a man of amazing integrity, boundless energy, unbelievable loyalty to his Cincinnati Symphony and us-the players. I am so grateful to have known him for 43 years and loved him so much. He is now in ‘music heaven’ and will be remembered forever!
Erich,
You smiled when I told you how much my elderly mother in Chicago enjoyed your televised concerts.
Thank you for your support of the musical arts, especially your desire to see SCPA constructed near to Music Hall.
If elected to the Board of Education, I will make every effort to see that this new educational edifice is named after you, the most prominent musician ever to grace the streets of our city. I hope you took your baton with you to heaven! Bravo, Meistro!
For all the music, magic, and laughter you leave behind around the world, you will be missed dearly. R.I.P. Erich
The choir of angels must be singing and the musicians must be playing with much joy tonight knowing that now the great Erich Kunzel will be their conductor. Erich you will be greatly missed here in Cincinnati and the world over. Your work with the Pops brought much recognition to the arts community here in Cincinnati. They will never be able to truly replace you on the podium. Rest in Peace.
Maestro Kunzel,
I will forever appreciate the way you treated the military choruses and included us in your concerts. You treated us with the utmost respect and we made some beautiful music together. We will miss you very much………
I left Cincinnati five years ago, and just received a phone call from a friend to let me know that Erich passed away. I ALWAYS had such a great time at Erich’s concerts. I made it a point to get back to Cincinnati at least once a year, and always attended one of his concerts. He had incredible energy and an amazing sense of humor. Cincinnati has lost a wonderful ambassador, I am grateful that the performing arts school he worked so hard for became a reality. I pray that they name the school in his honor.
It is incredibly sad to know that he is gone. His presence on stage was amazing, always witty and so full of life! I always left Music Hall thinking that I just enjoyed a great evening with an old friend. Well my dear old friend, you were a true original. I will treasure my memories of all the happy hours I spent at Music Hall. God bless you Maestro, you will be missed.
There is a beauty in hands that can bring order to musical sounds and command an orchestra to the magnificence of song. Maestro has those hand, that heart, that mind, that soul, that exquisite beauty that stirred the world with song. Thank you. How very much we thank you.
Thank you Maestro Erich Kunzel for the opportunity to help the Cincinnati Pops at Riverbend with special guest Tony Bennett and his band. Thank you for all the memories including this year at Riverbend with N. Armstrong, the 4th of July celebration in our nation’s capitol with Aretha Franklin, “the Queen of Soul” on television, helping to raise the capital needed to build a new School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), and most importantly keeping a positive attitude and giving the big “C” a good fight to the end. Mr. Kunzel deserves to have his own street name named after him such as changing the street name at Cincinnati Music Hall to “Erich Kunzel Music Way.”
Maestro, it was an honor to sing for you in one of your many Broadway shows. Thank you for everything you brought to music in Cincinnati. My deepest condolences to his family.
Maestro Kunzel gave wonderful experiences and memories to the students from The Studio for Dance in Blue Ash. Performing with Maestro Kunzel and The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for the past 20 years will be something never forgotten by our children.
Shari Poff and The Studio Cloggers
Maestro Kunzel will be so missed. He has been such a blessing to the Cincinnati community! His music, enthusiasm, and professionalism made him the perfect ambassador for the arts in Cincinnati and around the world.
I had the honor of seeing the August 1st performance and absolutely enjoyed every minute of it! He was such a joy to watch and the audience could tell he was having a great time. He reminded me why I loved the arts! He will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace. My condolences to his family.
Erich, thank you so much for all the really fun and funny times you brought to my job the past 13 years. This was a precious and priceless gift. You are greatly missed. Thank you also for everything you have done for the CSO and for the City of Cincinnati. Heaven now has a guy who can really party, have some beers, have some laughs and make everyone around him smile. Godspeed Maestro.
My ability to remember names of those maestros whom I enjoy so much is terribly limited. But when I read that Cincinnati had lost its Maestro, I knew immediately that it was Erich Kunzel. My sympathy to his family and to the Symphony. Please keep his legacy alive and strong. There could be no greater tribute.
My voice joins the chorus singing Erich’s praises. I was privileged to work with Erich at the Toronto Symphony and learned so much from him. He was a force of nature. Thank you, Erich, for the joy of music you shared with so many. Auf Wiedersehen, Maestro.
Dear Kunzel Family,
Erich was a special “boss” to me when I first began working for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra……I did some secretarial work for him, Mr. Rudolf and Mr. Schippers. I always remember Erich taking me to lunch and he would make me bring my dictation pad and we would work all through lunch…….it was a lot of fun. He brought such energy and love to music, and knew so much. I was always happy to help him out in any way I could. There was always something to do…….I remember especially that once, during a performance of “Hansel and Gretel” there didn’t seem to be enough “glitter” on the stage…….a group of us got together and made sure there was enough glitter, even to the baton he was to wave during the performance……….thank goodness for me he laughed and enjoyed the little joke!
There is no way to explain his loss to this city…….we can only look at the incredible body of music he has left us in his recordings and possibly, for those who can hear, the echos resounding off the walls of Music Hall…..his spirit is surely there, giving energy and life to us as well as the building itself.
All of the angels in heaven are smiling, and singing, I am sure, as they raise their voices and play their instruments for him in perfect unity and love.
Rest well, Maestro Kunzel,
you will never be forgotten.
We are entering our 32nd year as Pops subscribers. We love the Pops Orchestra, but it was Erich who we were always thrilled to see conducting. He made every performance he led so special and unique. We have a treasure trove of memories we’ve collected over the years. Those memories will fill us with much joy every time we experience another performance by our beloved Pops, because we know the spirit of Maestro Kunzel will be standing on that podium. Music Hall will once again be filled to the rafters with beautiful melodies, but from now on it will be different. Angels in heaven, led by our music man, will be accompanying the orchestra.
I was there in June with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. What a joy it was to have you direct us again. May you enjoy conducting your symphony in Heaven. Thanks for all the good you’ve done and brought to so many. May peace be with your family through this difficult time knowing that you’ve now found it.
As I listen to Mac Davis sing I Believe In Music the line “people who believe in music are the happiest people I’ve ever seen” is most certainly referring to our beloved Erich! Though cancer ravaged his body it did not begin to touch his spirit-as was so clearly seen at his final performance at Riverbend! I can still see him smiling and high fiving the conductor during the Cinderella waltz piece. And his joy in doing what he loved shone in his eyes. And when he asked us to join him in singing the song from his favorite show, Sesame Street, that spoke volumes of his character! On our return trip on the boat the entertainers told us that no one knew he was coming. That he showed up at the intermission. And how rejuvenated he was coming off the stage. One of the performers,who had never met him, said he knew he was in the presence of greatness and was crying along with the rest of his admirers. I am so glad he got to partake in the 25th anniversary of HIS pops at Riverbend! It will always be his POPS but we will warmly welcome his successor with the graciousness befitting Erich’s memory.
With love and gratitude, I ask the good Lord to grant you eternal life, and to comfort your family.
You will live forever in my heart.
I grew up on Eric Kunzel’s performances and although I haven’t heard him perform in at least twenty years, there is a timeless pull of the heart strings his passing invokes. He certainly struck a cord in my childhood heart and that cord is alive and vibrating today. His red coat, large stature, production of exciting music and embodiment of the best of Cincinnati, my home town, lives on in my Soul and those of so many people who experienced him. Many of us grew up in Cincinnati and are now all over the world. I’ve no doubt that Erich’s globe now extends beyond Holst’s The Planets and into the Angelic realms. All Good Things to his loved ones and to all of grieving Cincinnati.
I am also deeply saddened by the passing of Erich Kunzel. I feel very fortunate and appreciative that, when I was a much younger woman, he accepted me to play in the CCM’s Philharmonia Orchestra at that time. It was a truly a fantastic experience to sit right in front of him in the violin section for two consecutive years. To be so close, watch his gestures, see the feeling for the music in his expressions, and feel the tremendous energy that he exuded.
Erich was truly a great inspiration for all of us musicians. A driving force for excellence.
I feel truly honored that Erich was also a part of my life and a great inspiration to me.
My condolences to Brunhilde and the family.
Maestro Kunzel, I can only imagine the angels you’re conducting in Heaven right now. Bravo.
I am also deeply saddened by the passing of Erich Kunzel. I feel very fortunate and appreciative that, when I was a much younger woman, he accepted me to play in the CCM’s Philharmonia Orchestra at that time. It was a truly fantastic experience to sit right in front of him in the violin section for two consecutive years. To be so close, watch his gestures, see the feeling for the music in his expressions, and feel the tremendous energy that he exuded.
Erich was truly a great inspiration for all of us musicians. A driving force for excellence.
I feel truly honored that Erich was also a part of my life and a great inspiration to me.
My condolences to Brunhilde and the family.
Erich’s dedication to SCPA and the community will leave a lasting impression on all of us. I still remember the Christmas and Halloween performances I sung for in Children’s Choir as being such an amazing experience on stage with this man. He will be greatly missed!
Best wishes to his family in celebrating his life.
My first memory of Maestro Erich Kunzel is as a fan watching the last concert in which Rosemary Clooney appeared with the Pops. The last is as a journalist interviewing him on the Fox 19 Morning News. He was there to promote a Pops concert.
I attended many concerts and conducted many interviews between those times, and what I will always remember about Maestro Kunzel is his boundless energy and positive spirit. I don’t know of anyone who was a better ambassador for the Pops, for music, and especially for Cincinnati. We are lucky he was ours.
While my heart aches for those were closest to Erich, it is with a grateful heart that I remember the man, his music, and his legacy. Thank you, Maestro.
You accomplished what most parent’s could not – bring appreciation for classical music and the Pop’s to Cincinnati’s children. You will be missed.
Mr. Kunzel brought a new life and energy to any concert he conducted. My wife and I became season ticket holders for the Detroit Pop’s Concert series 20 years ago because of Eric. We are deeply saddened by his passing. The music work has suffered a great loss. Our sympathy to his family and the wonderful people of Cincinnati who had this national treasure for the last 40 years.
Myhusband and I have enjoyed you many times at Ravinia Festval in Illinois and certainly still enjoy your work with Doc Severinsen via CD. Your energy and effervesance will be missed. Those angels in heaven will enjoy being conducted by you. We’ll be walking in your honor at the Lustgarten pancreatic cancer walk October 17 in Chicago. Rest in peace maestro.Polly and Fred.
True gentleman. Always looked forward to seeing Mr.Kunzel perform. Very personable and approachable. Best thing that ever happened to the music culture in Cincinnati and the world.
Will truly be missed. God bless.
My husband Daniel’s first professional symphony gig was with the Cincinnati Pops and Erich 20 years ago. Erich taught so many young performers the tools of the trade. He was a friend and colleague to our family and we will miss his hearty laughter and twinkling smile. Our thoughts are with Brunhilde during this sad time.
Daniel, Heather & Nicolas Narducci
What a loss of such talent. So soon, too soon. The smile, the red jacket, the music, sweet memories are these forever never to be erased from my mind. We miss you already Maestro.
What music now fills the heavens ….
As director of the National Memorial Day and July 4th Celebrations on PBS, I will always cherish my memories of working with Erich. Above all else, he cared about the music, but his love of the sea was another passion. Sail on, my friend, your smiling face will hover above our music tent forever.
Love to Bruni as well.
My father, Paul Walker, planned every vacation around the concerts in the park. Our family spent those vacation days in lawn chairs and blankets on the left side of the front row as we faced the stage. We usually arrived before you could even tell where the first row was going to be. Mom, Wilma, would sit and tat (making lace), while my father talked to the stage crew, the musicians, and their family members, usually asking questions that would make my mother blush.
I would stake out my little claim, and while away the hours reading or people watching.
The lawn would fill in behind us… and the concert would begin. Then there was Erich, in all white… brimming with enthusiasm. My mother and I loved the music, but for my father, it was utter bliss. LOL… one of our favorite family stories centers around William Tell’s overture and my father daring me to call out “Heigh-ho, Silver!” with him at the appropriate moment. We did it… lol… and Erich played it up beautifully. My dad swore that he paused every time just daring us to do it again. I think, maybe not…
Christmastime would come and my mother would get to work making marzipan for the entire orchestra… My dad and I were passing it out one year, my father had on his favorite Winnie the Pooh t-shirt, and Erich came over to him and poked him in the belly and said “What’s this??” and stood and talked to my father for a couple of minutes. It was a small thing, but it made my dad’s day…
Dad has been gone since 2000 and we miss him terribly. Erich’s passing saddens us deeply, but we are warmed with the thought that he had one of his most faithful fans waiting to greet him. Probably asking him something he shouldn’t…
With all our love, Erich. You are in our hearts….
Wilma, Patti, and Ginny Walker
A career far, far too short– he had so very much more to do and give to us– his magnificant talent and skill; his joy of music and life; his humor; his insight, foresight and enthusiasm– his courage. My daughter and I are so pleased that we were able to see one of his last performances with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir– what a night!
We await that wonderful forthcoming tribute CD– “The Best of Kunzel Through the Years”. Surely a multiple disk packet with tremendous world-wide sales potential!!
Thank you, Lord, for putting him in our lives.
Although I haven’t lived in Cincinnati for almost 30 years, I so enjoyed singing under your baton. You are Cincinnati to me.
Sincere condolences to Mrs. Kunzel. Oh how we loved watching him conduct, and he is now orchestrating the music in Heaven. He had such vitality, wit and presence. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
So revealing…so many refer to Mr. Kunzel as “Maestro.” So many others refer to him as “Erich.” A man has truly succeeded in life when he has reached the pinnacle yet is still seen as a friend of the common man. Thanks for the memories.
He was the man, thank you Maestro.
My special appreciation goes out to the Maestro’s family, friend and supporters for all these years. I enjoyed many concerts on the Capitol lawn in our nation’s capitol with Jerry Colburn Productions for the Memorial Day Tributes and the 4th of July Celebrations. How wonderful that he worked right up to the last month. What a gift he gave us!
My Friend and mentor of 42 years. Thank you for bringing so much to so many.
My daughter joined the Cincinati Children’s Choir last season, and was priviledged to be able to perform at Riverbend during the August 1st2009 concert led by Maestro Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops. It was a magical evening and his charisma for music was palpable. We will remember and treasure the experience always. He will be greatly missed.
I sang for Eric and the Pops a number of times, both in college and afterward — all experiences that I still treasure today. A master of interpretation, performance, and showmanship. You may be gone but your memories will linger long and the impact you had on all of us will live forever.
We had lived in Cincinnati only a short time when we took our son, then a high school sophomore, to a Pops concert that featured Eddie Daniels as soloist. Since he performed during the second half, we took advantage of a couple of empty front row seats that we had spotted from our balcony seats. They were right in front of the performer, and in Maestro Kunzel’s eye. Our son, a talened clarinetist, sat with eyes and ears glued to Mr. Daniels. After the performance Mr. Kunzel invited us to the green room to meet Mr. Daniels, an experience that our now 30+ something son still recalls.
We enjoyed many Pops concerts in Music Hall and at Riverbend and delighted in the variety of local, national and international talent that Mr. Kunzel brought to the stage along with Cincinnati’s exquisite orchestra. He is a jewel in Cincinnati’s crown and a national treasure. For his endless efforts to promote and enhance the performing arts here and in other communities, it will will be a fitting tribute to have the “Erich Kunzel School of the Creative and Performing Arts” in Cincinnati.
I’m treading down memory lane to those crazy recording sessions I was a part of with the Telarc crew. I’m still telling stories about those years, and still applying all that I learned in the back of the control room. Thanks for reminding me what it means to be totally dedicated to excellence at what you do. May you truly find rest and peace.
To our goodwill ambassador. Rest knowing that your earthly admirerers miss you and send our love to your wife of 44 years.
God bless – Paula
ERIC KUNZEL, BROUGHT MUSIC TO ALL, HE WAS SO DYNAMIC WE ENJOYED ALL OF HIS CONCERTS. HIS MUSIC WILL LIVE ON AND ON. THANKS ERIC
ALICE ADAMS
Thank you, maestro! My fondest memory is with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir a couple of years ago at RiverBend.
Rest in peace.
Erich brought joy to Naples audiences, as well. It was an honor to sing under his tutelage. The Philharmonic Chorale even learned how to sway! He was one-of-a-kind and his favorite alto will miss him!
Ravinia festival will never be the same without you. You brought the same energy to pop and classical music. Labor Day and the 1812 will never be the same. Thank you for bring music to all of us.
Erich brought joy to Naples audiences, as well. It was an honor to sing under his tutelage. The Philharmonic Chorale even learned how to sway! He was one-of-a-kind and this alto will miss him.
Thanks for the memories!
I was so sad to hear of Eric Kunzel’s passing. I still remember the first time I saw him. I was 9 years old and attending Children’s Symphony. I was mesmerized by his explanation of the music.
I also had a big crush on him at the time; this was around 1966. He will be missed, but has left a wonderful legacy.
When there are explosions in the music, we think of you, Erich. The Straussfest album has lots of gunshots, whistles, and other oddities. Thanks for your devotion to Cincinnati. It will be a shame if the new SPCA doesn’t carry your name.
Erich,
You have given me a great enjoyment of music i have been singing choral music for years and had always dreamed of singing in the May Festival Chorus though i have yet to accomplish that. My fiance and I have enjoyed coming to the 4th of July concert the past two years and plan to continue going to future concerts. We love you and you will be greatly missed by all who enjoyed your music.
He was a nice person, an outstanding professionnal and he contributed to put Cincinnati on the world map.
You did so many things to honor our great country. You were a great patriot. “God Bless America” and may God bless you, Eric Kunzel.
Yesterday the city of Cincinnati lost one of it great ambassadors. I will truly miss him. The concerts in the parks were I first heard the Pops. My Aunt would always say we had to get close enough to see the whites of Erichs’ eyes. So we would get to Miami Whitewater, or Winton Woods three to four hrs before the concert started. Later in my life we’ve throughly enjoyed the Holiday Concert. And of course who can’t forget the National Memorial and July 4th Day concerts. We will miss Mr. Erich
My husband was physician at Blossom Music Center, summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra, for 20 years. The Cincinnati Pops with Erich often came during the season, and we were privileged to get to know him. After the concert, we would take a Tall Boy back to his dressing room as our daghter did during the 4 years she was on the Blossom staff. He was always charming and fun and enjoyed his work so much. He was a great talent and a true gentleman. He will be missed so much. Thank goodness for all the recordings.
Having sung with him in many Pops concerts since I joined the May Festival Chorus in 1981, I can now only sing his praises. While sometimes his concerts were a bit kitschy, and sometimes over the top, they were always energizing and fun.
I will never forget the concert that celebrated his 40th anniversary with the Symphony. He chose the works of his favorite composer, Brahms, and a small group of us sang the lovely Liebeslieder Waltzes as we gathered around him in front of the orchestra. It was one of the high points in my May Festival Chorus career.
I will also never forget a time when I auditioned for him, over 25 years ago. I was terribly nervous and told him so. He reached across the music stand and held my hand while I sang. I didn’t get the gig, but his generosity and kindness to a terrified singer meant more to me than anything else at that moment.
Here’s to a future “Erich Kunzel School for the Creative and Performing Arts!”
He was a friend to all who met him. I was privileged to help he and Brunie find a residence in Naples. I am honored to have had him as a friend and client and now God will find him a special place where he can still make people smile and forget their troubles. The world will certainly miss
this extraordinary maestro.
How blessed we are to have had this talented and energetic leader, call our city his home.. His joy of “Music” engulfed the audience… To be able to produce complete “oneness” from a multitude of different instruments is a gift so few posess. Music Hall will not be the same with out this man and his flying baton.
End of another beautiful era.
Dear Erich,
When I was a kid, the first album I bought with my own money was the Cincinnati Pops’ recording of Porgy and Bess and the Grand Canyon Suite. I listened to it over and over, imagining that I was on a river or hiking through the desert, and also imagining what the musicians must be like. I wanted to be part of that somehow. Years later, during my first days on the job at the CSO and Pops, I couldn’t believe that one of my duties was to work with you. There I was, trying to keep up with you on the way to an interview (literally running after you). That recording that I wore out (along with subsequent Pops recordings) greatly influenced my decision to study music. Though I’m involved in the industry in a way that my teenage self couldn’t have imagined, it’s still an absolute joy, and working with the Pops was one of the best and memorable experiences of my life. We miss you.
As a young girl, my grade school class went to hear the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra at Music Hall. It was magical! Many years later, I had the pleasure of working in the Subscription Department for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra. I also worked in the horseshow before, during, and after the concerts at Music Hall.
One evening during a Pops concert, they needed staff members to do the conga line across the stage while Erich conducted. We all stood behind the curtain and when it was our cue, we struded doing our thing. I remembered trying to get Erich to join us. Keith Lockhart was behind me. Erich looked at me and winked but declined to do so.
This is a sad time for all who Erich has touched in their lives.
He will be sorrowfully missed.
Erich Kunzel was one of the kindest and most gracious conductors I had the privilege to work with. When I came to Cincinnati to perform and record the Spellbound Concerto with the Pops, Maestro Kunzel’s easygoing and warm demeanor immediately put me at ease. I’ll always remember his delightfully amusing quip about the theremin’s “special sound effects” and Skyline Chili. My wonderful, thrilling time with the Pops will remain a treasured memory for the rest of my life.
Maestro Kunzel brought symphonic music to everyone. From the highest balcony to the front row seats, we all felt included. His love of music was passed on to everyone who heard or saw his orchestras perform and his loss wil be profoundly felt. He was a showman personified and will be sadly missed. Our condolences to his wife and family.
So sad is this day with the news of the passing away of the greatest conductor in Pops history ever! I mean that well.
In 1990 I was in America doing studies here and worked part of time at the CSO/Pops and one day in summer we got together a bunch of us workers to set up for a concert at Riverbend and as were were taking things there Erich pulled in and nearly backed into a bunch of us with his car!
Seeing what he had doing he jumped out and asked, “Are anyone of you hurt?”
Learning we were all OK and humored by the incident of amost getting driven down by our boss, we all had a good laugh with Erich laughing too and making the jokes about how maybe he needed new glasses now!
That was so completely him, that moment. A man with a warm sense of humor about himself and life and yet also so down to earth he was able to jump in with a group of student workers like us. And yet he was also the finest conductor I ever knew.
Sad his dying but what a legacy the man does leave us. May he rest forever in God’s hands with all the great musicians of history! He was greatness embodied.
This musical genius will be missed by many in the Greater Cincinnati area and the music community at large. Maestro Kunzel touched the lives of many, and brought joy to the world. His love of the arts and unique ability to enable universal communication through his music is very much appreciated.
Thanks for giving so many the opportunity to experience those moments of transformation through music. Your love of music shown through, each time you took to the podium.
God bless you and keep you in his care.
I was Erich’s assistant conductor on GIANNI SCHICCHI at the Santa Fe Opera in 1965, when he got the call from Max Rudolph to come to Cincinnati. The excitement Erich showed upon getting a job with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra only increased as he developed the Cincinnati Pops and brought it to world recognition. We are all deeply indebted to him.
The Maestro, The Music Man, The King of Pops, but I call him friend. What a joy and an honor to know and work with him. Erich, you are loved and you will be missed. Give yourself a few days before you try to put together another pops orchestra in the heavenly place!
Today as I remember my beloved home town of Cincinnati, I am reminding classical music listeners in Washington DC of the legacy of Maestro Kunzel. I’m playing the famous first recording he made with Cincinnati players on Telarc, the Tchaikovsky 1812. Remember those days? It was 1978, and the new CD technology was awesome: “Caution! Digital Cannons!” I will never forget, years ago, waltzing for a moment with the Maestro when I was a chorister from Miami University for a Viennese gala. There will never be anyone ever again quite like Mo. Kunzel. He was a great gift to Cincinnati, to the world, and to music. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Marilyn Cooley, Midday Host, Classical WETA-FM, Washington DC.
How can one express from the heart what it meant and felt to enjoy the wonderful sounds and interpretations he adapted to all his musical recordings. I could not wait for his next new release to become available each time.
I hope the Pops will continue to record and continue the Legacy of sound he started.
Bravo to the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for all past recordings.
My sincere condolences to Brunhilde and the Kunzel family.
Erich’s passion for music and life has enriched all our lives. The greatest tribute we can offer him and his family is to dedicate our energies to ensure that the awesome legacy he leaves behind continues on to enrich and inspire both today’s and tomorrow’s generations.
I propose that we name the new SCPA the “Erich Kunzel School for Creative and Performing Arts” in acknowlegment of all that he gave to the city and his instrumental role in getting the school built in its new location.
Just a thought.
I never made it down to see Mr. Kunzel, but I had contacted his agent who got me involved with the right folks to get him to sign my CD covers. He signed all 11 of them!! I didn’t know it at the time, but I had sent my package to him with a wonderful note just a few days after he got his news. I hope it made him cheer up a bit. Later, I sent a very nice card with lots of happy thoughts from fellow soundtrack fans of his. I hope he got it and enjoyed those nice notes. I work in the film industry and have put together a little film dedicated to Mr. Kunzel. ENJOY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vX_aFeEMgU
Peter H. Muncie Indiana
I am a volunteer announcer at theclassicalstation.org (WCPE, 89.7 FM) in Wake Forest, NC, where we broadcast Erich Kunzel’s great music around the clock and around the world every day of the year. Everytime I see maestro Kunzel and the Cincinnati POPS on my playlist, I feel very excited about sharing the music! I made a “classical to-do-list” in August and decided that my priority was to fly to Cincinnati and see Erich Kunzel conduct the POPS. I have airline and concert tickets and will go to the POPS concert on November 14 to remember the late, great conductor I had dreamed of meeting someday. I was aware of Erich’s illness but did not expect him to leave us this year. I am very, very sad about his passing….I feel that I lost a brilliant friend who brought so much joy and listening pleasure into my life. My heartfelt thoughts are with the Kunzel family, the Cincinnati POPS orchestra, citizens of Cincinnati, and everyone around the world who was so fortunate to have known and worked with this special conductor. God bless you, maesto Kunzel. You will NEVER be forgotten.
As a great admirer of Mr. Kunzel’s recordings, with the complete collection of his Telarc CDs on movie music, I don’t think I convey my emotions upon learning of his death. Undoubedly, the world was a better place for his being here, and I’m sure people who met him were blessed. And this I can say because I had the good fortune to actually meet and talk to him, not once, but three times, when he came to Mexico City, in the winter of 2003 ( a Harry Potter/Christmas concert) and then the following Summer, for two Star Wars concert. In spite of being tired after the performance, he took the time to chat, sign my Star Tracks CD, in fact the vey first CD I ever bought, and pose for pictures, and even to auditon one of the local chorus singers!. Certainly a virtuoso, but more importantly, a tireless gentleman, he will be sorely missed, but I’m sure his family can take solace in the fact that “no human eye ever saw, or ear ever heard, or mind ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (St. Paul). I am sure the angelical chorus have gladly welcome him for an everlastin encore.
God bless his soul.
Oscar Islas
Mexico City
My husband, Rick, and I enjoyed some many wonderful POPS concerts. We will truly miss not having Erich to conduct them. He brought some wonderful talent to Cincinnati. God bless!
It was my great honor to be chosen by Erich to paint his portrait commemorating his 30th anniversary with The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. He brought his enthusiasm and good cheer to the project making it a pleasure to paint him. He posed for a life study in my Glendale studio in preparation for the official portrait and I remember with fondness his gracious comments at the unveiling at Music Hall.
I play his CDs often as I work in my studio here on Bainbridge Island, WA remembering the happy times associated with his portrait. Condolences to his wife, family and many friends in Cincinnati.
I knew him in a different aspect of life–working with Physical Therapy for his Shoulder Rotator Cuff tear. Little did he know, but I had already named one of the MOST IMPORTANT exercises after HIM and had already taught hundreds of patients to perfect his one directing posture. So thrilled to see it displayed in his pictures in the Enquirer Paper memory today. He worked in PT with the same perfection that he worked his leadership and love for the”correct timing and sound “of his marvelous music . Cincinnati is an honored city . The world is so fortunate to have had him..
An American Showman. Like P.T. Barnum, Kunzel packaged CD’s and TV concerts with color and anticipation. Classical music became fun and approachable to all ages. As a recording retailer I saw each new Cincinnati Pops release as a bonanza. As a local public radio pops host in Chesapeake, VA, I sought to be the first to air any Kunzel recording. The orchestra could play anything and we would listen to hear what it was. My favorite section was the Horns. Erich Kunzel played every exciting Sci-fi movie score I know of. But the softer works were also performed with a loving embrace. Erich’s shoes will be hard to fill. He displayed respect for his audience and a love of his country. We are all in debt to him, a national treasure! A great loss to music.
It seems we hardly knew you and yet this wonderful human being graced our lives for over forty years. He will be sorely missed and I can’t imagine who could even begin to fill these shoes. You gave us so many happy times and brought Cincinnati and the local area to the world stage.
,
You will be remembered forever. Rest is peace, Mr. Kunzel.
It seems we hardly knew you and yet this wonderful human being graced our lives for over forty years. He will be sorely missed and I can’t imagine who could even begin to fill these shoes. You gave us so many happy times and brought Cincinnati and the local area to the world stage.
You will be remembered forever. Rest is peace, Mr. Kunzel.
During my 32 years with the CSO/CPO one thing was consistent – Erich Kunzel. You made me laugh. You made me grit my teeth. You made me sweat and you made me proud. I will never forget those Star Wars/ Star Trek/ Roundup recording sessions. Cincinnati will never have another conductor who cares as much about the city and it’s orchestra as you.
Gabriel had better be practicing. He will need strong chops to play in your brass section.
Barbara Morgan Herbert #197 – Comment permalink September 2nd, 2009 at 12:43 am
This comment is awaiting moderation. Dear Kunzel Family,
Erich was a special “boss” to me when I first began working for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra……I did some secretarial work for him, Mr. Rudolf and Mr. Schippers. I always remember Erich taking me to lunch and he would make me bring my dictation pad and we would work all through lunch…….it was a lot of fun. He brought such energy and love to music, and knew so much. I was always happy to help him out in any way I could. There was always something to do…….I remember especially that once, during a performance of “Hansel and Gretel” there didn’t seem to be enough “glitter” on the stage…….a group of us got together and made sure there was enough glitter, even to the baton he was to wave during the performance……….thank goodness for me he laughed and enjoyed the little joke!
There is no way to explain his loss to this city…….we can only look at the incredible body of music he has left us in his recordings and possibly, for those who can hear, the echos resounding off the walls of Music Hall…..his spirit is surely there, giving energy and life to us as well as the building itself.
All of the angels in heaven are smiling, and singing, I am sure, as they raise their voices and play their instruments for him in perfect unity and love.
Rest well, Maestro Kunzel.
Summer will not be the same. I have enjoyed Erich and Riverbend since it opened in 1984. I have several of his CDs which have been played and played and played. He was a role model for many, including me. We can’t measure the loss. His replacement need be only half as talented and he/she will be very good. Erich’ s place is high and may he conduct the Heaven Pops forever. I lost a personal friend.
CET was privileged to share Maestro Kunzel and The Cincinnati Pops with the rest of the country with the Pops Specials on PBS. For sure, the programs were hard work. The rehearsals and actual taping sessions at Music Hall did not always go as planned. For example, in the Halloween show the infamous exploding pumpkins did not explode on cue. Take two! Take three! Take four! Erich stayed with it.
One thing that stands out in my mind is that Erich was always in charge. Not in a domineering way. Not in an egotistical way. He controlled those TV programs like the fine conductor that he was. He was able to coax from all involved their very best….the musicians, the singers and dancers, the camera operators and the stage hands. We all wanted to do our best for the show and most importantly, for the audience in the hall and in living rooms throughout the nation.
The other thing I remember is how proud he was of all the talent coming from SCPA and CCM. He was never happier than when he could spotlight these young people on the local and national stage.
Above all Erich never forgot the audience. An accomplished musician, he was also the consummate showman. May Erich’s spirit continue to inspire all who ever take the stage at Music Hall. For sure, he will be watching and caring.
He was a great conductor and musician. I like the way he brought the outside world in with all the famous guest artists. He made the music normal, entertaining, and in some way, elevating.
What can be said that hasn’t already been said. Your were at the top of list, A #1, & cream of the crop in your craft. You brought so much to so many. May you rest in eternal peace!
What a monumental loss! As POPS subscribers for 25+ years, we will miss Maestro Kunkel’s joyous personality, energetic conducting, showmanship, and wonderful spirit! Cincinnati has lost its #1 ambassador!
I remember working with Maestro Kunzel during the New Years Eve concerts as a member of the May Festival Youth Choir. My favorite memory is of him, during the Sound of Music, telling us that we were not walking like nuns and then proceeding to show us how nuns walked. He always made every concert fun and exciting for the performers and patrons. I will sorely miss his presence in Cincinnati.
I remember attending Concerts In The Park. Every year he would ask, “Well, what do you want for your money?” before playing Stars and Stripes Forever.
One year, we all got up close to the stage and when he asked, we yelled, “Beethoven’s 9th!!” We got a good giggle for our efforts.
Maestro, you’ll be missed.
I remember the time when Maestro Kunzel con ductor the National Symphony and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestras, he is one of the best orchestra conductors in the world. The world and myself with miss him deeply. I am a singer/songwriter and I would like to do a song a tribute to the America’s Prince of Pops.
I remember the years 1969-70 as a Ford Foundation sponsored Arts Management intern in getting to work WITH Erich and FOR Lloyd Haldeman learning how to build and grow through a collaboration which c became one of the best organized Symphonic Pops concert series anywhere.
Erich was always gracious, yet as tough as needed and made our audiences love every second of the music created. That was the year of playing everywhere except Music Hall while it was being remodeled, thanks to J. Ralph Corbett, owner of NUTONE!!
It is a delight to read so MANY warm comments from people who took the opportunity to avail themselves of the musical wealth Erich created.
I would be delighted to re-communicate with all persons I workd with in those heady days!
Paul F. Stapel Binghamton, New York 607 773 1495
I never had the pleasure of seeing Maestro Kunzel conduct, since I don’t live in Cincinnati. However, I always looked forward to his televised concerts, and several of his recordings are favorites in my collection: Pops Plays Puccini, Chiller, Round-Up, Hollywood’s Greatest Hits. The Puccini disc is one I always pull out when my mother-in-law comes to visit; she loves opera, particularly by Italian composers, and that’s the closest I can come to finding something that will please her. Inevitably, we both end up humming along with those gorgeous melodies, beautifully performed.
Duke Ellington said that there are two kinds of music:good music and the other kind. Maestro Kunzel demonstrated that the category of “good” music is deep and wide. He will be missed.
I don’t remember when I first attended one of the Maestro’s performance, but I remember number concerts at various parks or Seasongood Pavilion. My parents were arts lovers and tried their best to instill in my brother Malcolm and me a love of theatre and music. No matter what was on the program we always looked forward to the highlight of the evenight “Stars and Stripes Forever”
My first memories of Erich are of college and attending free Concerts in the Park, really appreciating the night sky and listening to beautiful music. Over the past few years, I was lucky enough to meet and spend a little time around Erich through my bro-in-law Scott, wife Kathy and nephew Matt. Matt idolized Erich, and always had a big smile when he was around. One winter day, we met Erich at the Cincy Zoo. My memory is of this impeccably dressed man greeting his beloved white tigers…..with a bag a raw meat, which he proceeded to cut up and throw to them!! It still makes me smile. My sister was at the zoo watching the tigers yesterday when Scott called to tell her of Erich’s passing- Kathy called San Diego – I was walking with my dog…wearing a Cincy Zoo t shirt. You will be truly missed, Erich, by so many people…..and animals.
Thank you, Erich.
Dear Erich,
You touched so many lives in a positive way. Your introduced orchestral music to thousands over the years. You taught children that music could be fun. You taught the City of Cincinnati about the importance of the arts, and worked hard for many years to build the SCPA. You shared your grace and wonderful sense of humor with every person you met. Your baton has been stilled, but your legacy will always live on. I am so very grateful that I could call you my friend. God speed dear Maestro, the world will not be the same without you.
Having lived in this city for fifty-five years, and having children also, I well remember Mr. Kunzel’s love of children. I have a particular memory from a children’s concert when I was in grade school. One of the events was a ballet performance from one of our Cincinnati Ballet notables. Some of the children laughed at the performance, not having been exposed to ballet before. The dancer reacted as you might expect a sensitive east European artist to, saying, “You laugh at me; I no dance for you.” and then stormed off the stage. But Mr. Kunzel gently chided the children and managed to convince the dancer to finish his performance. How much we learned, not only from Mr. Kunzel’s rebuke, but also implicitly from his character.
I think he had a wonderful understanding that people have a good nature that can be reached through kindness and beauty. My children, all of whom attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts have fond memories of him too. Farewell, Mr. Kunzel. You will be missed, but forever remembered.
Erich Kunzel changed the lives of many young people here at historic Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, including mine. He had tremendous faith in the Choral Program to where the Central State University Chorus appears on more than 5 Telarc International Recordings, and one of them was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1994. He loved working with young people, and he worked to make sure that they enjoyed performing as much as he did. The late Cab Calloway, Maureen McGovern, Lou Rawls, Marquita Lister, Thomas Young, Keith Lockhart, Angela Brown, Harolyn Blackwell, and the list goes on, are people that he introduced to the Central State University Chorus , and of course the wonderful Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. He put the vocal music program at Central State University on the world’s stage, and we will miss him dearly.
William Henry Caldwell
Conductor
Central State University Chorus
Erich Kunzel touched the lives of many young people at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He had tremendous faith in the Choral Program to where the Central State University Chorus appears on 5 Telarc International Recordings, and one of the recordings “Amen: A Gospel Celebration” was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1994. He introduced the Central State University Chorus to the legendary Cab Calloway, Maureen McGovern, Lou Rawls, Jennifer Holliday, Harolyn Blackwell, Angela Brown, Thomas Young, Marquita Lister, Keith Lockhart, etc. We will indeed miss him at Central State University because he put the music program on the world’s stage. We love you Erich.
Prof. William Henry Caldwell
Conductor
The Central State University Chorus
We have watched the Maestro on television; we were captivated. We have listened to the Maestro’s work in person; we were thrilled. We have sung in a choir with the Maestro himself; we were enthralled with honor and pleasure. Great thanks to his parents, his wife, and all who nurtured and supported his growing and blossomed and supreme talents.
Thank you for the indelible mark you have made to music in Cincinnati and around the world. You have left your mark in history. God speed and may God enjoy the beautiful sounds!
Erich.
You will be sooo missed. i really enjoyed you on warm 98 on Sunday morning. Sunday will never be the same. You had a wonderful way of making sundays great. i can recall being at my grandma house with my aunt and cooking a really big breakfast and listening to you explain all about the music you played. i also remember the boat cruise warm 98 had it was so wonderful. the way you would talk to the kids about music. thanks for making music so wonderful and enjoyable. i will miss you very much. you are the MAESTRO.
My husband and I took our 3 year old granddaughter and her mother to their first Pops Concert on Aug. 1 of this year. They really enjoyed it and my granddaughter loved it that she could sing even though she didn’t know the words. It was wonderful to see hime and we so looked forward to seeing him at Music Hall in Sept. He was the best and will be truly missed. I will keep his family in my prayers and I thank God that he came to Cincinnati to lead one of the best Pops around. The music world lost one of the great ones.
As a member of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir I was privileged to sing for Maestro Kunzel on a few very memorable occasions. Once, he was sick as a dog–and yet he rose to the occasion–what an incredible teacher! He was fond of saying that at a certain time he decided to “quit making music and start making money”. For my money, he never stopped making great music. What a mensch! He will be missed.
Erich, it was incredible to know you and work with you for almost twenty years. You brought such energy, brilliance and excitement to every project you led. There were no limits to your talent and generosity. You made the Cincinnati Pops a world wide sensation!
You could draw out the best of every orchestra you conducted and you were able to move the hearts of every audience. On a personal note, you gave so many Cincinnati musicians so many wonderful opportunities…. thank you… I will be forever in awe of your amazing life!
Maestro Kunzel was one of my favorite conductor. He passed on his passion for music to the Orchestra and to the audience. The recording he made with the Cincinnati Pops are and will remain my favorites. It’s a great loss for the world of music.
Erich was like another father to me. He had be my dads patient for years and years and had become a very close family friend. I’m only 16 so I’ve known him my whole life and I miss him so much. Him and I hung out and were like buddies. I could of called him one of my teen buds cause we related so well and had the same humor. We were supposed to go to the Zoo to see his tiger Popsie on Sep. 12. I am still going on that day for Erich because he will be with me and everyone.
I am in a band and write music so i wrote this for Erich. I love ya bud.
-Matt
“For Erich”
(verse 1)
We were so cool, You made me laugh
A second father, Love can’t be graphed
You called me buddy, Until that day
The disease in you, Brought you fate
(refrain)
This one’s for you, for the times we should of had
This one’s for you, You never were once mad
And I know you’re gone, But you really shouldn’t be
Oh so long my dear friend, You’re my pal ’til the end
(verse 2)
My insides hurt, Cause I missed you leave
But you would say, “At least I’m free”
I needed though, To see you one last time
And until now, I’ve never cried
(refrain)
(verse 3)
This one’s for you…
One, two, one, two, three, four
(orchestra music)
This is for you, This is for you
Just for you, Oh this one’s for you
And I’ll see you in another life
But now…
This one’s for you
Last time I saw Erich was when my choir, the Kolping Saengerchor, performed at the public announcement of the World Choir games this summer at Fountain Square. After we sang, I went over to where he had been sitting and he gave me a big hug. He was so frail. I was sad. Am so glad I got that one last hug! Steve Reineke arranged a German medley for our Kolping choir to sing at Music Hall for a special anniversary celebration of Erich’s. And we’ve been performing that medley all over the place very since. I was also a singer in the Pops Chorale a few decades back which was a wonderful experience. When I think of him I laugh and I also cry! Til we meet again. My prayers are with your family.
Carolann Mary Slouffman
Fourth of July will never be the same. May you rest in peace
Cincinnati has lost a legend, and we will never be the same without Erich Kunzel. He was truly an original. I have such fond memories of the Riverbend concerts and the free concerts in the City parks. Thanks, Erich….you are loved.
I will always cherish the three times I was able to sing under the baton of Maestro Eric Kunzel. I am a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. To sing with him was to truly know the talent and passion for music this man had. I will miss him very much. Thanks, dear Maestro.
You will be remembered.
Dear Erich:
Nothing I’ve done in our profession has been a better source of good stories than the experience of sharing an office with you for eight years. Your highest priority was the audience and you never gave them less than your best. From those of us who worked with you, you expected even more than our best; that made us crazy sometimes. But when the craziness was over, there was a smile on every face, and no smile was bigger than yours. Thank you, my friend, for all those great memories.
The the first, and only time, I saw the cincinnati pops for this past years holiday show. I had listened to the pops on cd before. When the first notes were played, I felt this indescribeble feeling come over my body. I was aw strucken. To see the joy that man put into his conducting one of the worlds greatest orchestras in the world. It is a concert and day i will remeber for the rest of my life. Thank you Maestro Kunzel, for your lifes work with the pops. Your memory will live on forever
“HEY” Mystro Kunzel. The past 28 years as part of the May Festival Chorus learning and singing under your direction, have been the happiest times of my life. When you would introduce the Magnificient May Festival Chorus, you could feel the genuine pride that you gave. Thank you for tyour special gift of music. Under your tutelege our chorus will never look at a broadway hit the same ever again. You are a true artisian audibly as well as staging. You will be greatly missed, but your memory will live forever in our hearts. At the end of every brodway piece there should be a vocalized “HEY” at the end in your honor.
Ericks family, I would like to thank you for the time you shared Erick with us.He was very precious to us as I am sure he was to you.
Mystro Kunzel . . . .Go in peace.
I was fortunate to have experienced Maestro Kunzel as a school child. I remember feeling as though he was talking with me personally as he explained the music that the orchestra was about to play. Those were the best field trips! Although I no longer live in Cincinnati I am fortunate to have a radio station that frequently plays the many wonderful Cincinnati Pops disks that Maestro Kunzel conducted. Thank you for bringing so much wonderful music to the world, and for making it so accessible. My deepest condolences to the Maestro’ family.
The world is a much poorer world without Maestro Kunzel to bring his beautiful music to Cincinnati and the world. I have enjoyed the recordings and live productions for more than 30 years; He was always so enthusiastic when directing, even when he was not in the best of health. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to his family.
I am at a loss for words. We have lost such a great conductor and a great man. I have so many wonderful memories of great music! My prayers are with the Kunzel family.
I will always remember the many Pops concerts that my husband and I attended over the years until his death in 2002. After that I was not able to go downtown by myself. My daughter asked what I wanted for Mother’s Day this year, and after reading about the three types of cancer, I told her that I wanted to see Erich Kunzel at The Cincinnati Pops. Sandy Patti was there that evening, and it was just the best present I could ever have received. Erich had not as yet started on his chemo treatments, and WHAT A SHOWMAN. I will always remember Erich as he was on that evening.
Cincinnati was just so fortunate. I want to extend my prayers and sympathy to his wife and family. Thank you for giving him to Cincinnati for so many years.
Erich was a real class act, and bigger than life in public. But he quietly did lots of good deeds privately. I am the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 281 in Anderson Township. For the last five years, Scouts in my troop have been honored to be the Color Guard for the Pops at many of their opening concerts of the Riverbend season and at the 7/4 concert. Erich always stopped backstage to personally thank the Scouts for helping out. But it is this year’s opening concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir that I will always remember. We were asked on short notice to come help with flags for the armed services songs. I made the monumental flub of not keeping careful track of how many Scouts I had asked to paticipate, and went into a panic the night before the concert when I realized that six Scouts planned on helping – but there were only five spots. When Erich heard of my dilemma, he quickly covered for me by changing the order of the songs – and put the sixth Scout (my son, as it turned out) on stage with an American flag next to Ben Utecht as he sang America the Beautiful. The change was great Pops showmanship as always, but really was Erich covering up my mistake. I’ll never forget him onstage in sweatshirt and Dockers working with my Scouts pre-concert, singing the service anthems to them in his gorgeous voice. He is truly missed.
I received the sad news today durring lunch. My brother called to say that Erich had passed. Although I barely knew Mr. Kunsel, he will always hold a special place in my life. You see, Erich was there when I proposed to my wife 18 years ago. We will miss you Erich.
What a GIANT, INSPIRATION and JOY we have lost… and he is a true American Classic.
He will “Live forever” and we will “remember, remember his name”.
Cincinnati was so fortunate.
You were a symbol of great pride to the German-American Community in Ohio as well as the U.S. Thanks for all the great music! You will be missed.
you was one of the nicest man ever.you will be missed.love your style of music.
THANK YOU ERICH FOR TAKING THAT “GLEAM IN YOUR EYE” AND MAKING IT A REALITY — THE SCHOOL FOR CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS, K-12. MR. MUSIC, YOU HAVE DONE SOMETHING THAT HAS NOT BEEN DONE FOR A VERY LONG TIME — YOU HURT MY HEART. FONDLY, YOUR FRIEND
Thank you for the joyful music you brought to us.
Thank you for your incredible contribution. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I WAS A 40 YEAR TICKET HOLDER OF THE POPS. I AM NOT MUSICAL, BUT IT BROUGHT TO ME THE GREATEST MUSIC I EVER HEARD. THE 2 HOURS AT A POPS SHOW WOULD PUT ME IN A PLACE THAT WAS OF GREAT DELIGHT. I WILL MISS THE MAN THAT BROUGHT GREAT MUSIC TO CINCINNAGTI, BUT I HAVE A FELLING THAT HE IS ALREADY WORKING ON SOME KIND OF HEAVENLY , CELESTIAL, CONCERT IN HONOR OF THE BIG MAN, HIS GOD.
As a 1996 graduate of School for Creative and Performing Arts, our school had a lot of ties to Music Hall. I majored in Instrumental music as a violinist and I will never forget the opportunity I had to play with The Pops with several classmates. It was an experience I will never forget. All of the heart he had for what he did and what he brought to the stage will be greatly missed.
This year the 4th of July at our Nation’s Capital culminated everything–joy, love, peace and understanding that was brought to our city all these years. We will miss you and your music. Thank you
As a young child I fell in love with classical music because of Mr. Kunzel. He made me feel the music as well as hear it. Thank you Mr. Kunzel!
Since moving to the Greater Cincinnati area in 1982, I have not missed watching any of the TV shows that featured Erich Kunzel. We have been Pops subscribers for approximately
15 years. We have totally enjoyed every concert. What the Fine Arts community of the entire world needs is a cheerleader and promoter such as Erich. He will be greatly missed.
Erich Kunzel has been the principal conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Pops series for over thirty years and I have been to almost all of those concerts. I had the good fortune to meet the maestro in a Naples Florida department store a few years ago when he he and his wife were shopping for safari clothes prior to a trip tp Africa. He was just as charming, warm and enthusiastic one on one, as on stage. Truly an irreplaceable loss.
September 1, 2009: “The Day the Music Died” ,,,,, in Cincinnati.
Pedeled up to Mt. Airy for a Concert in the Park in 75′. With no chair or blanket I was able to sit up front. A guy in his sixties sat about ten feet from me. During the first production the guy got up turned around and started to “conduct” the audience. Kunzel saw this, came down and handed him his baton. It only lasted a minute, but the crowd loved it.
He was a showman.
Thanks for the good times.
The last concert I saw Maestro Kunzel conduct was New Years Eve this year. What a show. My wife who is from Chicago had never see Erich Kunzel in action, she fell in love. We will always miss him. I hope that CPS names the new SCPA School in his honor. He was everything Cincinnati stands for. He will be so missed.
His most meaningful performance in my memory was about thirteen years ago at the Neatherland Hilton Hotel when he mezmorized the members of the Cincinnati Rotary Club with his dream. Sharing his knowledge and love for this great city he informed us of the tremdous value this city had bestowed upon the world at large through its citizens historic commitments to the art’s in alll discipline’s not only the Symphony. But it was his life’s dream to reestablish His city’s presence in the modern world by providing through K-12 education to students in close proximity to the Masters in constant collaboration by building a school easily accessible to Music Hall. In the forty minutes that he spoke it was obvious that his dream and his passion for Cincinnati was as genuine as sulfur on a stick and he ignited each and everyone of us to make a difference for the good. His sincerity, his perfection, his ambition, his drive, his level of comitment will be a beacon to the masses forever.
what a great entertainer and director. Many fond memories of concerts in the park and the July 4th shows. Thank you…now you are entertaining in heaven.
Thank You!
Thank You!
Thank God for you!
The wind beneath our wings
I am truly saddened by the loss of Maestro Kunzel. I am happy to say I had the opportunity to see many concerts he lead either live or on television. My music library is full of CSO and Pops CDs and will be able to relive Mr. Kunzel’s magic anytime I want. His gift of music has enriched all of us. Thank you Erich..you’re simply the Best!
Erich was a great friend of the Toronto Symphony. He was a consummate professional and had a great respect and fondness for the TSO musicians. He was very kind and supportive to me during my career at the TSO. He will be sadly missed.
David Bourque
clarinet and bass clarinet
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
How could I ever watch A Capital Fourth without thinking of my dear Erich? Nobody can take your place. Thanks for the music. Nancy
I mean Capitol
You brought music from the heart to life for me. Memorial day and the Fourth of July will not be the same. Thank you for sharing your gift with everyone. You truly were a “Music Man” for all.
God grant you peace and joy in heaven.
Maestro Kunzel was Cincinnati’s “Music Man” celebrating the joy of music in every concert.
It was an honor to meet him and see the love and respect that other musicians had for Cincinnati because of him. As long as the Ohio flows, your music will stay in our hearts.
Kathy and the teachers, students and customers of Kathy’s Happy Organs & Pianos
For two reasons I will never forget the afternoon my father and I went to hear the Cincinnati Symphony – this was pre-Pops…
One because it was the only time my father and I spent any quality
time, just the two of us, and TWO because Erich made it so special. It
was an afternoon in 1977 and Cincinnati was CLOSED due to the weather.
My father was off work, and of course, I was off school. But the
Cincinnati Symphony was still scheduled to play. We went down there not
knowing to expect. We went to our balcony seats and planned to enjoy an
afternoon of wonderful music. Erich, realizing the turnout wasn’t that
great, invited everyone to move down and closer so everyone would enjoy
the performance more. WOW!!! We ended up in about the 5th row and it
was an unbelievable experience! THANK YOU FOREVER!
When I moved from Montreal, QC to Toronto, ON after my parents divorced I had very few friends and knew hardly a soul. What I did have was a newly purchased stereo system and the desire to further my interest in classical and modern orchestral music.
My first purchase? Star Tracks conducted by Erich Kunzel and performed by The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. And what a performance it was. What sound! I couldn’t believe my ears and the warning the liner notes contained. This CD may damage some sound systems? Really? A CD recording could do that? This was no regular recording and more than just a collection of famous movie themes. This was a sonic achievement both on a creative and technical level these ears had never heard before.
As my collection of classical and film score recordings grew I continued to follow the Telarc label and all that it had to offer in the way of Maestro Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops. Having had the opportunity to watch him work his magic with the audience and The Toronto Symphony Orchestra a few years back I consider myself fortunate to have made his acquaintance through his work.
Rest in peace, Maestro.
Thank you so much for the wonderful memories. I was able to take my children see you proform and know they love the music. You will be missed in my home
I had the pleasure and honor of attending a New Year’s Eve Cincinnati Pops performance several years ago. My grandson was one of a group of Princeton High School Marching Band members who participated in the program, playing along with the orchestra. Maestro Kunzel recognized the young musicians and encouraged them to continue with their musical endeavors. The program was wonderful and I was so glad I got to attend the performance. Cincinnati has lost a truly great conductor, musician, and friend. My sympathy and prayers go out to the Kunzel family. . God bless you all.
Thank you for many years of beautiful music! My husband and I have attended and enjoyed concerts with you in Music Hall, Concerts in the Park and River Bend – the last one being August 1st this year. Thanks for sharing your energy, creativity, and sense of humor with people in Cincinnati and folks around the world. We will miss you…….
OH how we will miss you ! You gave such joy to so many. You hav e brought the best of music and showmanship to the world. How fortunate I have been to listen to such a God given gift of a man for so many years. Love you Eric even tought we never met.
I used to see Erich at least once a year with my grandparents since I was a little kid. My favorite memory is the concerts at the Cincinnati Zoo. You made those shows awesome. Thanks for all of those good times.
I will sadly miss Erich Kunzel. Although I knew saw him in person, I believe he is one of the great conductors of our time. I never missed a “A Capitol Fourth.” He put so much love and fun into these performances. He honored our Iraq and Afganistan wounded. They are the forgotten heroes, yet he remembered and honored them. The “Capitol Fourth” will not be the same with Erich Kunzel.
He has done so much for Cincinnati and I believe Cincinnati knew what a great treasure they had and supported him all the way. Erich Kunzel will be greatly missed, but his music and spirit will always continue.
There is that fine between “high brow” symphony and “pop music”. Erich Kunzel spanned the gap. He made you love beautiful symphony pieces AND pop music. Many children were brought up on Maestro Kunzel’s performances and his influence on them has proved to be inspirational. We just took Erich and his music for granted, like so many things we love and think will never disappear. Unfortunately, we will see, maybe too late, what a gem we had. We shared him with many other orchestras and cities, but we felt like he was “ours”. Rest in peace; you’ve earned it. Blessings to the family.
God speed Eric. It was because of your foresight in creating the Concerts in the Park series that my entire family became lovers of orchestral music. What wonderful evenings those were listening to your corney jokes and your wonderful music. With you, the Cincinnati Pops created an everlasting heritage to this City. I repeat what I once told you, some “worship” athletes, I “worship” you.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are of my family at Riverbend, on the lawn with a picnic listening to The Cincinnati Pops. He will be missed. Our prayers are with his family and friends. Rest in peace Maestro.
I was deeply saddened by the death of Maestro Kunzel. Cincinnati has lost a treasure. One of the first things I did upon moving to Cincinnati was to purchase a subscription to the Pops. I enjoyed many wonderful Sunday afternoons being entertained my Erich Kunzel and the Pops orchestra. My condolences to the family of Maestro Kunzel. I hope they take comfort in the knowledge that he was loved and admired by so many people locally and worldwide.
I have been a fan of Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops since the early days of the Telarc recordings. His 1977 recording of the 1812 Overture set the standard in classical music recording in terms of sound engineering and in the performance of the work. I never missed a Memorial Day or 4th of July concert from DC on television since 1990. My wife and I feel privileged to have been on the front row at the Maestro’s last peformance with the Boston Pops this past June. It was an unforgettable tour de force of American Swing music that we will always cherish. We are saddened by his passing and hope that his family finds comfort in the fact that the musical tradition that he started in Cincinnati and other cities will live on. Rest in Peace, Maestro. We will miss you!!!
Maestro Kunzel played a significant part in developing my love of classical music. He was the conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at my first ever live classical music concert. I immediately fell in love with the experience and have continued to attend the symphony regularly, including each one of his appearances with the TSO, the last being this past June. In every one of his concerts, he has conducted with a contagious passion and energy that has left me feeling inspired. My heart goes out to his family, friends and colleagues.
He was the Music Man. Our children listened to him in the parks and when we moved from Cincinnati, we introduced him to our friends each Labor Day weekend at concerts at Blossom Music Center in Cleveland. Our Hudson marching band performed with him twice — once on his salute to Rogers and Hammerstein and once on the BEST 1812 Overture I have ever heard. My son performed with him then and my daughter, while a freshman chorus member at Xavier, performed in a New Years Eve concert with him. Two of my proudest moments. While Maestro Kunzel was seen by millions on television and leaves a rich history on record, his true legacy will be his devotion to developing new generations of young muscians in Cincinnati, across the state and across the world. We are so much richer for his being a part of our lives. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
I hosted many symphony concerts in North America with Erich. He spread his joy in orchestral music around the globe. He gave the joy of his personality to anyone who came near him. He truly earned his title, Maestro.
Now we will never be on stage together again, or share another beer after the show. He was a loving and loveable man. I will miss him.
Eric, we love you and the music you gave us here in Cincinnati these many decades. No one can replace your talent, warmth and love of performance. My husband and I will continue our tradition of patronizing the Pops as a tribute to you and the program you created. Our hearts are heavy today.
The Board of Directors of Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity wish to express our sympathy on the passing of our National Patron Erich Kunzel.
Erich Kunzel will long be remembered as our favorite personality in Cincinnati. Since moving here in 1964, we have loved every moment attending the concerts and being assoicated with Our Pops. We are beginning our 20th year as ticket holders and are proud and thankful that Erich shared his life of music with us.
When I saw that Erich Kunzel died, I was shocked, because he was one of my favorite conductors, and I got the chance of seeing him conduct the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to the music of Star Wars, that was a great concert, and looking back on it, it was my only time that I got the chance of seeing him conduct, and what a performance it was, and I’ll never forget it. I mostly have about all of the CDs he’s recorded with the Cincinnati Pops, and then one being with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra’s recording of Rodrigo’s famous concerto, and back to the Cincinnati Pops recordings, on some of the Cincinnati Pops of Erich Kunzel’s had some sound effects, which was really neat, and he even made a recording with Fredrica Von Stade of The Sound of Music, and he made a recording of Symphonic Star Trek which is an excellent recording and a must have for Star Trek fans and Erich Kunzel fans alike.
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to his wife, and the rest of his family, and he will definately be missed.
It was always such a moving experience to watch national celebrations being led by such a gifted artist. You made our city so proud to watch you, admire you, and love you for the joys of life that you gave.
Now, the angels have you as their “guest” conductor. One of the angels that you will be leading is a talented musician, who left this world 9 yrs ago, to play the piano for the “Angels Pops”. My father has been waiting for you to conduct this “symphony”. Thank you so very much to both of you for the joys of life that you shared with us.
To see someone who loved their life’s work and enjoy it to the fullest was a blessing! Schubert summed Erich’s life work in the German lieder ” An die Musik ” , ends in the words ” and taken me to a better place “. Go to U tube and listen to one of the Schubert recordings and you like I know it was written for Mr. Kunzel. My second son was named for Erich Leinsdorf of the Boston Symphony and Erich Kunzel in 1981. Rest in peace and thank you for a life well lived!
A sad day for the world. I had many years of enjoyment listening to erich’s orchestra. I first heard, and saw him, when he did the pop concerts in San Fanciscoco and immediately became a fan of his. Thank God I still have videos of his various concerts. I will miss his music and his charm greatly. It’s as if I lost a dear friend.
I grew up watching and singing with Erich. He brought the CSO to Highlands High School every year
and the school chorus under the direction of Robert Knauf would get the opportunity of a lifetime to
sing with him and the orchestra. Knauf was the choral director of the May Festival at the time. The
two of them really enjoyed each other, had similar personalities and brought so much wonderful
music to Cincinnati. A few years ago, I had the tremendous honor of preparing a chorus from the
May Festival Youth Chorus for a program with Erich at Riverbend. He was so kind to the young
singers and enjoyed working with them tremendously. They, likewise. Life comes and goes so
quickly….we all will remember Erich’s exhuberance at the podium as well as off. He truly loved his
role as conductor, performer, and, in his own words,”a music educator”. Thanks Erich!
When I found out about the passing of Maestro Kunzel I was deeply saddened. I grew up listening to his film score compilations. He was one of the main reasons that I became a film music fan and eventually went on to host my own film music radio show. Star Tracks II was an early favourite of mine and to this day it remains a very important part of my collection. You could feel his love of the music in each and every note. His loss will be felt for years to come not just in the Cincinnati area but around the world. Thank you for the music Maestro, you will be missed.
we shall miss the wonderful music brought to us by Erich Kunzel we will miss you and God bless you and your family.Good Bye our music man.
Thank you, Maestro, for the joy that you brought to all of us. Cincinnati is a better city, because of you. Godspeed.
A light went out of the world this week with your passing and the Heavens will be graced with your charm, charisma and magnificent talent. May your reward be great and may perpetual light shine upon you forever.
My first introduction to classical music was school trips to the Cincinnati Symphony orchestra with Erich Kunzel conducting. I cherish those memories.
We enjoyed many a concert with you at the helm. Many thanks for all the talent and musical joy you brought to Cincinnati. You will be greatly missed.
My parents and I first enjoyed Erich’s concerts sitting on the lawn at Ontario Place and, of course, marvelled at the big finish of the 1812 Overture. He hooked me on the big orchestra sound. Many years later, I had the pleasure of singing in the Mississauga Choral Society choir when Erich presented Hollywood musicals and Christmas concerts with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. I came to appreciate Erich’s musicality and dedication to making the best possible musical experience for his audiences.
Erich Kunzel set a standard for musical performances that is hard to match. He will be missed greatly. My sincere sympathies to his family, friends and fans.
There was one concert at Miami-Whitewater. A storm was moving in; Mr Kunzel was trying to finish the concert ahead of it. He kept looking over his shoulder then picking up the tempo. The “1812 Overture” was never played so fast. But we got to hear the canons, and still made it back to our car before the rain started. What a concert, what a memory. Thank you.
I had the good fortune to work in public relations for the CSO from 1967-1970 and had a close working relationship with both Max Rudolf and Erich Kunzel during that time. I will never forget the wonderful concerts and people I met. Being able to enjoy the 8 O’Clock Pops with Erich behind the scenes at the University of Cincinnati stadium early on was a thrill, and it was only the beginning of the great Cincinnati Pops. I have followed Maestro Kunzel’s career ever since and watched him on televised concerts, including his last July 4 concert in Washington. I am greatly saddened to hear of his untimely death. My condolences to his family. He will be missed, but has left a great legacy to the music world.
Dear Erich,
I will miss you conducting the annual Memorial Day celebration in Washington, D.C.
His music makes me so very happy.
Without Erich Kunzel I don’t believe that I would have the love of Classical Music and the CSO that I have today. I first saw Erich when my 5th grade class at Kilgour Elementary went to a morning Young People’s concert in Erich’s first year conducting them with the CSO. I had never been exposed to Classical Music before, had never been to beautiful Music Hall and fell in love. Over the years I’ve ushered, then subscribed, went to the CSO, then Pops Concerts in the Parks with my husband. It was one of my favorite “dates!” I wish that I had told Maestro Kunzel about the profound effect he had on my life. We will never see his like again. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
I feel lucky to have been priviledged to attend both the first (1984) and last (2009) concerts conducted by Maestro Kunzel at Riverbend. Both were exhilarating and will be my fondest memories of him and the passion and enthusiam he brought to the music.
Winton Woods Concerts in the Parks, following the car hood home, Ron’s BIG organ in Price Hill, the fireworks on stage and in the air, rising from the Pit as the Devil, all those recordings, PBS, rides on the river, all of it , you brought so much happiness to so many, God bless you Maestro Eric, I miss you. We all miss you.
From start to the last, Maestro, it has been exciting, challenging, often very humourous, and absolutely NEVER DULL! I will ever treasure those 43+ years! My greatest pleasure was to act/sing the role of “Alma” in your production of “Music Man” (enormous hat and all). Thank you for permitting me that experience. I will also ever cherish that I was permitted to be a member of the May Festival Summer Chorus for a most memorable concert on August 1, 2009. (I blew you a little kiss–no one saw–as you waved to us and to the audience upon leaving the stage. I am certain many of us will never cease doing a “Kunzel HEY” at the end of many a show tune. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.
I have so many wonderful memories of Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops. From my first concert in the park, to Music Hall at Halloween, to Riverbend and the 1812 and Rosemary Clooney, plus many others. I feel privileged to have seen both performances with the Morman Tabernacle Choir.
Every evening was memorable watching the orchestra under Erich’s magnificent direction and hearing that wonderful sound. In memory of Erich Kunzel my family and I hope the Cincinnati Pops continues its superb tradition.
Dear Maestro:
It was a real honor to meet you. To invite you unexpectedly to MEXICO in your first visit to Latin America back in 2003 to do a beautiful concert with Harry Potter’s music. My call to you came on Thanksgiving, I remember it very well, and the way you accepted immediately.
And after that, that thrilling Star Wars concert in Mexico City, after which you took the very same program with different orchestras. You always told me that Mexico City WAS the very first city which heard a COMPLETE Star Wars concert; and there was I, working as your local manager, valet, translator, etc etc etc etc.
We planned a Star Trek concert for Mexico this year… never happened.
I will always keep your friendship and your very professional work deep in my heart.
JOSE-MARIA ALVAREZ
Director
MUCHIMUSIC MANAGEMENT
I was fortunate to have worked with Maestro Kunzel both as a dancer and as a choreographer. None of the tributes I have read have mentioned his work with the Cincinnati Ballet. As a dancer with the company in the early days, I still vividly recall his rehearsing in Corbett auditorium with guest stars Violette Verdy and Edward Villella and working intensely with David McLain to get the timing just right for McLain’s ballet “Romanza.” Two of the highlights of my career will always be dancing on the WLW-T television special “A Christmas Concert” with Vivienne Della Chiesa that he conducted and choreographing for the Pops “Big Band New Year’s Eve” performances. In addition to his musical gifts, Maestro Kunzel had a genius for programming and theatricality that made his concerts incomparable entertainment. He will be sorely missed.
I met Mr. Kunzel on his second journey to México city. He made a very deep impresion on me as a musician and as a unique human being.
Loor to a great man.
We send our sincere sympathies to Maestro Kunzel’s family and friends. This is a tremendous loss. Erich was such a guiding force for the arts in Cincinnati. We fervently hope that the SCPA elects to name their new facility in his honor. Maestro Kunzel brought the joy of music to thousands during his amazing career. His incredible energy, his wonderful sense of humor, and his endless knowledge of music cannot be forgotten. Every concert that we attended over the years contained wonderful music, great staging, excellent guest artists ….and above all the Maestro’s “magic touch”.
Even though we never got to meet you personally, we truly feel as if we have lost a very dear friend. God bless you Erich, the world mourns your passing.
I lived in Cincinnati but a few years in the 1990’s but I knew of you long before moving to the Queen City. Erich thank you for your lovely music and for helping so many musicians see their dreams. The world was a better place with you in it, God bless and God speed.
Maestro Kunzel was one of Cincinnati USA’s greatest advocates, ambassadors and catalysts. As he traveled the globe, he spoke passionately of his love for our region, and on several occasions he allowed us to leverage his international trips to drive business attraction opportunities. He always was most accommodating to those we were courting—graciously providing the best seats, backstage passes, meet-and-greet sessions and autographed CDs. And one need look no further than the corner of Elm and Central Parkway, at the site of the future School for Creative and Performing Arts, to find a tangible expression of the impact he’s had on the city. Erich opened doors for the entire region and, in doing so, he raised the bar, or perhaps the baton, on our quality of life. Maestro, you will be missed.”
My first introduction to a orchestra was in 1972 when a county student choir was formed to sing with the Cincinnati Symphony. I was a junior in high school and it was one of the most exciting things I had ever been involved in. The choir practiced on their own for weeks and then had two rehearsals with the symphony. I remember that we sang an arrangement from Verdi and it was magical – little did I know then what an effect it would have in may life. Thank you sir, for coming to the little town of Wilmington and sharing with me the gift of your talents. I am now 54 but that memory of the 16 year old singing with the Cincinnati Symphony with Erich Kunzel conducting will always move my heart. Thank you to his family for allowing us to share this great man.
A man of great vision, great joy and most of all great enthusiasm for the wonders of music. It has been said that music speaks to us where words finally fail. Thank you for using the Pops to speak to us all so eloquently, Maestro.
He sold this Jerseyan upon first listen twenty years ago during a “post-Pops” broadcast on either WGUC or WVXU and many concerts in the park thereafter. The Cinfantasy featuring Chaplin’s “City Lights” at Riverbend was one of the great pinnacles of your art for me.
Though I shall miss this truly authentic and original artist, his legacy in recordings, placing Cincinnati foremost in music and ,most of all, his place in music lover’s hearts worldwide will be lasting and permanent. The joy of music lives on because of the likes Erich Kunzel!
To Maestro Erich Kunzel – Thank you for the wonderful, wonderful years that you have given the Cincinnati public with your special music. I listen to your music every chance I get. You and your orchestra did an amazing job each and every time you performed. God bless and make wonderful music in heaven.
Erich,
For years I observed from the sidelines. I attended your concerts in the park, Pops concerts at Music Hall, bought your CDs and admired you for your tireless effort to make a new School for the Creative and Performing Arts. I had been a faculty member there for five years and questioned your drive to make the school a reality. I always told myself I was going to write you a letter and express my admiration for all you did and contributed to this city. Unfortunately, I never wrote that letter.
Thank you for all you’ve done over the years. When the new S.C.P.A. opens, I will know why it came about against all odds. Cincinnati is lucky that you chose to be a part of our city’s fabric for so many years. We will miss you.
Erich Kunzel. Cincinnati, Ohio. The Musicians. Cincinnati’s Music Hall. The Corbett family.
Without any of these, the classical music of the ‘Queen City’ would never have come to be what it is today. But it was the exuberant enthusiasm of Erich Kunzel that was the driving force that held it all together.
I never knew a time without Erich Kunzel leading me into the magical & enjoyable journey as the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra propelled the experience to its destination.
When the CPO’s Telarc recordings hit the market, I was lucky enough to be working in a record store in Cincinnati, and sold more CPO’s than I ever thought possible. As each release increased Erich Kunzel’s appeal to a larger audience, so too was the rise of the Kunzel/Cincinnati prominence in the classical music world. Not an easy feat. This too also gave me even more bragging rights when discussing classical music with people from varied parts of the U.S.A..
While I was particularly fond of motion picture scores, Erich Kunzel embraced this form of classical, and thus I was introduced to music I’d never known before. This also led to expanding my classical listening base…thanks to Erich Kunzel
It’s with a sad heart that the Queen City is silent with the loss of its Maestro.
Thank you Erich Kunzel for enriching and entertaining the lives of the people of Cincinnati, the world, and myself.
As an announcer on our local classical station, KPAC-FM, I enjoyed playing selections from the many recordings of Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops. Members of our listening audience would always call and compliment Mr. Kunzel’s interprations of the music. I was happy to learn that there will be a memorial concert in October, 2009, honoring this outstanding conductor. It is my hope that the concert will be recorded on the Telarc CD label so that his memorial concert will be enjoyed by many.
As an announcer on our local classical station, KPAC-FM, I had occasion to play many of Erich Kunzel’s recordings with the Cincinnati Pops, for the enjoyment of our audience. I received many comments regarding his renditions
I am happy to learn that there will be a Memorial Concert, honoring Mr. Kunzel, in October of this year. It is my hope that the program will be recorded on the Telarc label so that I will have the opportunity of broadcasting selections for the many fans of Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops, in central Texas.
We were privileged to have attended concerts at Music Hall, Riverbend, and in the parks conducted by Maestro Kunzel. We were thrilled to have met him in person at a salon this past March where he spoke about the new School for the Creative and Performing Arts. He touched many lives and will not be forgotten. Our sympathies go out to his wife and family.
The Classical and Pops world lost a great man. I have only been able to see Mr. Kunzel from afar, but was able to tell he was a man who loved what he did.
I saw him first on the Cincinnati Pops Halloween Special, and had the pleasure in watching him conduct the National Symphony Orchestra for Pops Goes the Fourth in person.
My sympathies to his friends and family.
Through Erich Kunzel and my Cincinnati POPS subscription, I had the pleasure to introduce numerous friends to his wonderful style of conducting and rapport with the audience. We have lost an amazing individual far too soon. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time as we remember his many contributions to music everywhere. Thank you, Maestro!
Thank you Cincinnati for sharing your wonderful Maestro with Toronto, and the world. The Mississauga Choral Society learned and grew dramatically under his magic baton. He truly was the master of his genre of music, and made it available to the whole world. This is a candle in the wind that will not be blown out! My sincere condolences to his family, friends, your orchestra, and fans.
I will always cherish the memories and inspiration Erich’s life and music have provided me with. Erich was always the consummate personification of class in an era when class is becoming a very rare commodity in society and the arts in general. I send my sincerest condolences to Erich’s family and the many wonderful members of his fine orchestra.
After Erich left Brown University in 1965 I was hired as director of Choral Activities. His elan, vast musical knowledge and warmth towards the public and his musicians was legendary even then. Erich built a stunning legacy at Brown of performing major choral works to the highest musical standard. I learned a tremendous amount charged with continuing that legacy and from watching him conduct Rhode Island Phiharmonic Season and Pops concerts. I thank him for that.
When our son was in college at CCM, he did telemarketing for the symphony and urged us to buy a subscription to the Pops concerts. Our son is pushing 45 years old, and that was one of the best pieces of advice he ever gave us. Over all the years since, we have enjoyed the magic, genius and larger-than-life maestro. We loved every note, every performer, every program, every quip. And, of course, the fabulous setting of Music Hall only enhanced the overall experience. My wife Claire and I are truly saddened by the loss of Erich Kunzel. We are certain his legacy will remain and the orchestra and its new leadership will maintain the same high quality, which Erich’s memory deserves.
Danke für die vielen schönen Stunden, die Du uns durch Deine Musik geschenkt hast. Ich erinnere mich noch gut an den Kauf meiner ersten CDs von Dir vor mehr als 20 Jahren. Seitdem sind weit mehr als 100 dazugekommen und ungeduldig erwarteten wir die kommenden Projekte.
Unvergesslich auch unser Besuch Deines Konzerts zum Independence Day 2000 in Cincinnati. Es war leider das einzige mal, dass wir Dich live erleben konnten.
Nun hast Du die letzte Reise angetreten Wir werden Dich sehr vermissen.
Was uns bleibt ist die Erinnerung und die vielen herrlichen Musikaufnahmen.
Unser Mitgefühl gilt allen Angehörigen und Bekannten.
I had the pleasure of knowing Erich Kunzel since the 1960’s. In fact Erich, Dave Brubeck, and I were
featured with the same artist management in those early days. The time came about 1970 when
Brubeck composed a major work for orchestra in which he scored an important part for classical
guitar. I was asked to bring my guitar to the College-Conservatory for a Brubeck rehearsal consist-
ing of Erich and a number of CSO musicians. The guitar part was a complexity of rhythm patterns
rather badly misplaced. The melodic line was OK. The CSO members had previous practice. I had
not. Sight reading for classical guitar can be a formidable task. It soon became apparent my efforts
were not quite on the beat. The CSO members were watching me — I needed an hour of seclusion
to work out the music’s tangles. But guess who came to my rescue? With baton in hand, Erich
pulled up a chair and conducted me as though I was a full orchestra. Magically, my guitar responded!
Dear Maestro, For me, you will always be remembered each time I listen to a Cincinnati Pops recording, or recall the annual Memorial Day and Fourth of July concerts on PBS. I knew you would always be there with your contagious appeal and energy, conducting the National Symphony Orchestra with pizazz, and nattily attired in traditional red, white and blue attire, and your trademark stars and stripes bowtie ! I live in Florida, and was never fortunate enough to see you and the Cincinnati Pops in person, but felt I was there through your holiday concerts on PBS. Your force of personality always called me to listen, and I always happily answered that call! You put your talents to such good use – bravos to you for always!
Maestro Erich Kunzel thank you for your love of life and your fun spirit you shared with your Pops fans and participants. While living in Cincinnati these last seven years, my husband and I have experienced awesome entertainment, laughter and simple fun through your talented conducting and life-loving spirit. I’ll always remember that rainy day, several years ago, as my husband and I came across your concert in the park. We decided to stay. You thanked all who remained in the audience on that rainy day, and you extended your appreciation by giving each person in the audience a free ticket to the next Pops concert. We went to that next concert and continue to attend the Pops. You will be greatly missed. God bless you and your family.
Erich, You, the Pops and our company shared so much through the years. Thank you for The Miusic, it will never be stilled. Chuck Curran , Senior V.P. Comair (Ret.)
Tonight, WCET is replaying the 4th of July concert from Washington. It reminds us of how much Eric meant to so many people — how he could pull together so many talented performers — not only the extremely well-known but he made sure that the best of Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio’s talents graced the stage. We sure miss him.
As a graduate student at CCM, I performed as a sub with the CSO Pops under the baton of Maestro Kunzel. It was and still is one of the most cherished memories of my professional career. He was a joy to work with and treated his orchestra with deep respect that was reciprocated. He was Cincinnati’s greatest advocate of the arts. As a native of Cincinnati, I was raised listening the CSO & the CSO Pops and it is impossible to envision the Pops without Erich at the helm. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends and the orchestra.
Bravo!
It is with great sadness that I learn of Erich Kunzels passing. In 1975 Erich gave me my first professional job in the New Haven Symphony while I was a violin student at the Yale Graduate School of Music. When I won the Toronto Symphony Orchestra position in 1978 I discovered he was a regular conductor there and it continued until his last performance with the TSO in June. I will carry many fond memories of his rehearsals and concerts with us as he filled the house with each performance. He was loved by all and truly was The Prince of Pops. Erich…we will miss you.
I never really knew Mr. Kunzel but I was working at a private party one evening and he was a guest. He had just found out he had cancer, he was so positive and had a great attitude toward life. I just couldn’t believe how he handled his terrrible news. Also at the end of the evening he made a point of coming over to all the people who had worked and told them Thank You for a great evening. To me that was one of the classiest things anyone could do. My sympathy to his family
I got to meet you in person, Erich, in the 1980’s at a book store in Tri County while you signed tapes and wow !! it was to me like meeting a famous movie star or even the President of the U.S.A. you were so kind to let me have my picture taken with you….have most of your tapes and cds and have fond memories of all the times we came to see you preform at Riverbend and Music Hall….our condolance to your family………THANKS
So sad to hear of this… I no longer live in Cincinnati… but a large part of my heart will always dwell there. Maestro Kunzel along with many other beloved memories will be part of my heart always — that part that yearns to return to my home town. I hope Maestro knew the myriad hearts across the world he touched . . . my prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends…..
I have so many memories of Erich on the stage at the Pops Concerts, particularly the one with Ella Fitzgerald. My sincere sympathy to his family, friends, and fellow fans.
We have all lost a treasure! Farewell to Maestro Kunzel! We will always remember the privilege of being at his final performance on August 1st at Riverbend. What a fitting send-off as he left the stage “thumbs up” after singing with the adoring audience the words from Elmo in “Sing, Sing a Song ” – “Sing of good things, not bad, Sing of happy, not sad … Sing a song … Make it simple
To last your whole life long … Just sing, sing a song.” Appropriate words of tribute – chosen by the Maestro himself.
When our son was in college at CCM, he did telemarketing for the symphony and urged us to buy a subscription to the Pops concerts. Our son is pushing 45 years old, and that was one of the best pieces of advice he ever gave us. Over all the years since, we have enjoyed the magic, genius and larger-than-life maestro. We loved every note, every performer, every program, every quip. And, of course, the fabulous setting of Music Hall only enhanced the overall experience. My wife Claire and I are truly saddened by the loss of Erich Kunzel. We are certain his legacy will remain and know the orchestra and its new leadership will maintain the same high quality, which Erich’s memory deserves.
My husband and I will miss the Capitol Fourth and Memorial Day Concerts and I will always remember the first two years when I came to this country and lived with the Kunzel family in Connecticut!
Cousin Margot from South Florida
Thank you , Erich, for all you did for our city, and throughout the world. Your way of using music to bring people together was amazing. Loved your interesting and informative intros to your musical selections, and loved the way you conveyed humor and joy in all you did. You are always a part of our family forever , and we feel truly blessed to have gotten to know you, as well as the many people we’ve met through you. We sure will miss your smiles, hugs and HUGE laugh ! Our thoughts and prayers to Brunie , your family and friends.
For years we greatly enjoyed Erich’s brilliant and personable conducting from the front row on Sunday nights. How wonderfully he interpreted the scores of the compositions he so skillfully presented to us. His delightful anecdotal comments preceding the performances brought us ever closer to a marvelous program selection. We will never forget the many nights we left, palms aching from applauding the magnificent entertainment he provided. The least our city could do would be to dedicate the new SCPA in his name. He is truly an icon we must memorialize in his dream and superb effort fullfillment. Do it, Cincinnati!!!!
Only once in my life did I have the privilege of seeing Mr. Kunzel conduct a concert. As a music teacher with a degree in conducting, it was an honor to see a master at work. Erich Kunzel was synonymous with Pops and the tile “Prince of Pops” more than just deserved. His shoes are impossible to fill, though his legacy will live on and future generations of musician will know his name.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to Mrs. Kunzel and the family!
In 1960 I was a member of the Brown University Glee Club and Erich Kunzel, then a grad student, led us on a spring-break concert tour of the segregated South. You will not be surprised to learn that he placed a long medley from Porgy & Bess on our program. For this New York City boy, that trip produced indelible memories.
Not least of those memories were of Erich. His personality, musicianship, and showmanship were already developed and evident. I have vicariously followed his career ever since and was stunned to hear this latest news.
My deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues. May their memories of him sustain them through this difficult time,
Wow, what can we say. Goodbye seems so small, and small is not a word our family would use to describe Erich or his contributions to our family and our city. Erich, you will never know how much you touched this family. We enjoyed Concerts In The Park all throughout childhood, my brother and I would never complain when it came time to pick up our chairs and blankets, oh, and the KFC and go to the parks. We all became huge fans of classical music because you never made it seem boring, thank you for that. As adults now, we have passed along the love for classical music to our children, and they have already started to share it with our grandbabies – what a legacy you have left. Our mom passed away a few years ago, but our dad is still with us and very sad to hear of your passing. We know we will meet again in Heaven, and until that day, we know that “…all is well…” with your soul. You will be loved and missed greatly, and our prayers are with your family during this time of grieving. We grieve with them. God bless you my friend, we will continue to support the arts in this city so that those coming up will know your love and respect for music AND for people. Now, take a rest and enjoy our Father.
His excellance was
exuberant.
When I watched him
live,
my eyes,
my ears,
my hands,
my feet
were all internally
happy.
He was gifted.
He was blessed….therefore,
He blessed.
It doesn’t get any better than that,
Eric.
What a shock to learn of the passing of this wonderful conductor. I have never had the privilege of seeing Erich Kunzel in action on TV or DVD as I don’t live in Cincinnati. I live in New Zealand (Middle Earth) and I have collected many of Erich Kunzel’s CD’s from music shops here in New Zealand. To me Erich Kunzel was the 21st Century equivalent to the late Arthur Fiedler (1894 – 1979). I lost my grandmother to cancer back in 2003 and I know how his family must be feeling at this tragic time. My heart and thoughts are with his family. I wish he could have travelled to NZ to conduct the NZ Symphony Orchestra. Through Erich Kunzel’s and Arthur Fiedler’s wonderful recordings have opened my ears to the joy of hearing Symphony Orchestra’s playing classical and Popular music as I thought they would never do. I’ve studied music right through my Schooling years and I have a couple of good friends who are conductor’s. (Maybe one day I might be a conductor) lol.
I thank Erich Kunzel and Telarc for all the lovely albums he’s made with the Cincinnati Pops. I hope that as a final tribute to this amazing conductor I would like to see a DVD come out of his performances with the Pops.
Rest in Peace Maestro – THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!!
This has been a difficult week, but I did want to express how much I admired my friend Erich Kunzel, and how much I’m going to miss him.
I grew up in Cincinnati – this is my hometown, and Erich has been a fixture here my entire life. He was actually very good friends of our next door neighbors, and would periodically make visits to Meadow Lane in Fort Thomas to see them. Growing up, my family used to attend the Orchestra’s parks concerts, and I remember laughing a lot, listening intently and sometimes singing along. I have some wonderful memories.
I went away for college, and remember being thrilled and excited seeing all of the Cincinnati Pops Telarc CD’s at the campus bookstore. At Oberlin, most of the students came from New York, Boston, Washington DC, San Francisco and Chicago, and I just loved reminding my friends that these fantastic CD’s were coming out of my hometown – Cincinnati.
I only got to attend one of the actual PBS TV tapings. My Grandma and I went together to Music Hall when they were making the Halloween special. We had a great time, even when the exploding pumpkins weren’t cooperating.
I joined the May Festival Chorus in the mid 1990’s, and for the first time got to work with Erich as a performer. I’m not sure how many of his concerts I’ve sung in, but it’s a lot – especially at Riverbend. All the swaying and yelling “hey” at the end of lively numbers – I loved every minute of it. I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a conductor so mindful of chorus cues – he was always right there with us.
I currently work in public relations for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras, and got to know Erich through work. Especially driving to interviews and waiting in green rooms, we spent quite a bit of time talking. He loved discussing all sorts of music, would ask how my wife was, and had had a string of amusing observations. We always had a blast.
I had the pleasure and honor to sing in the chorus for his final concert on August 1 at Riverbend. This was an experience I will never forget.
He was a true American icon, and I miss him already.
God bless you, Erich.
Thank you for enriching my life with many, many hours of wonderful music.
In all of the concerts I attended, you never failed to incorporate every component of my ideal conert: sometime I must want to sing along, tap my foot, smile, laugh, and be moved to tears. I always feel better after watching you bring music to life. Thank you for sharing your love of music.
Hi
I am from the Chicago area and have seen Erich many times at Ravinia Festival. Last night Ravinia dedicated the show to him and did a flashback of photos before the show also. I was lucky enough to have seen his shows over many years at Ravinia and he will be missed. Ravinia will be planting a tree to remember him. He will be missed.
I had the privilege of working in public relations for the CSO from 1967-70. Although I have not lived in Cincinnati since then I have always followed Erich’s career and watched his televised concerts and I was so saddened by his passing. It was a great experience to work closely with Erich and Max Rudolf during my years at the CSO, since I was responsible for taking care of guest artists while they were in town and bringing them to rehearsals and concerts. My first concert was an early “8 O’Clock Pops Concert” with Jose Iturbi at the University of Cincinnati Stadium. It was a thrill I will never forget, followed by many, many others. However untimely his passing, Erich has left an unparalled legacy to the music world, to his friends, family and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He will be greatly missed.
I hope the new School for Creative and Performing Arts will be named the Erich Kunzel School for Creative and Performing Arts. He was the driving force behind this lovely new building.
Erich:
When the final history of Cincinnati is written, you will deservedly receive your own special chapter. You made a difference and the children, young and old, are the beneficiaries. Thank you.
For years my mother purchased season tickets to the Indianapolis Friday morning Coffee Pops series and I would drive to Indianapolis to spend the weekend with her and the Indianapolis Symphony conducted by Erich Kunzel. What a joy those memories are. She passed away May 31, 2009. And just now, upon learning of the loss of Erich Kunzel to the music world, the grief is renewed. When I could no longer personally attend Maestro Kunzel’s concerts I looked forward to seeing him on the many televised programs in which he was featured. What a loss, yet what a legacy and what a treasured gift he was to our lives. My sympathy to his family, to the many who had the pleasure to work and study with him, and to those of us who had only to sit and be enraptured. I am deeply saddened and while celebrating his memory, I mourn the loss of him in our future.
Watching you at the podium on the Mall in Washington, D.C., on July 4, this year; no one would have known how sick your were. Your enthusiasm and patriotism, infectious to everyone who has watched you conduct the National Symphony Orchestra, gave a joyous spirit to that patriotic holiday celebration each year, from your signature red, white and blue bow tie to a maestro’s baton!
Thank you for sharing your time, energy and musical talent with such generosity for our nation–even at the end of your life. As publicly as you lived your musical life, you will be sorely missed annually on Independence Day; but your family, friends and the colleagues in your orchestras will miss you daily, weekly and in that harmonious continuum where time and space do not exist.
Erich came to Cincinnati just a year after we did. We became fans of the Pops shortly after they started and have been ever since, attending many Riverbend Concerts and presently having a fair number of Pops CDs. The Cincinnati Pops will continue to be a living tribute to the vision and talent of Erich Kunzel. We will miss him!
Erich arrived in Cincinnati just a year after we did. When the Pops began we were early fans and attended many concerts at Riverbend, the 4th of July always being a favorite. Though the Pops will continue, we will miss Erich.
thankyou for the music, the memories, and the joy you have given all who have had the pleasure of attending pops concerts.
Our sincere sympathy to the Kunzel family.
Thank you for the wonderful evenings at Riverbend. The 1812 Overture presentations will never be forgotten. So many good memories under the stars.
It was truly a shock to learn of the death of Erich Kunzel, probably my favorite conductor. I enjoyed Erick and the Cincinnati Pops at Blossom Music Center, the summer home of the Cleveland orchestra, for many years. As a musician I truly appreciated his conducting. He is a treasure which will be greatly missed.
Erich Kunzel: a legend in his own right and an International Treasure. Working with Erich and the Cincinnati Pops for 36 years, I never met a more creative, inspirational and giving human being. Erich mentored countless musicians into successful careers, and will continue to do so through the New SCPA. His work and influence have extended to Naples, Florida, where his inspiration will continue to be felt in the creation of a Cultural and Performing Arts Center in a redevelopment area, recently designated a Cultural District, greatly due to his influence and infectious enthusiasm. I thank you, Bayshore CAPA thanks you and the world thanks you for the opportunity to have been touched by your greatness.
To Maestro Erich Kunzel: I have been a volunteer at Music Hall for almost 34 years, and I been inspired by his great music for all those years. I am greatful that he made it possible for the SCPA to be built near Music Hall. I Thank God for those wonderful years with the MAESTRO, KING OF THE POPS.
Cincinnati would not be what it is today and will never be the same now without Erich Kunzel. His contributions to our lives far exceed what can be named in a single letter. He always dreamed big and always brought his dreams to life.
He was a loving, fun-loving, loyal friend, an inspirational leader, a master musician, an unshakable humanitarian, a true patriot and an unstoppable force.
I met Erich 26 years ago and have received a birthday card from him every year since. It’s never been late. It always includes a personal note. It’s always a humorous card of questionable taste. It always makes me happy.
Of all the artists I’ve known and worked with over the past 35 years, Erich stands alone. His standards for excellence have always been uncompromised. His ability to mix art with “corn” (his word) and create high entertainment was uncanny. His self-deprecating charm over audiences was bigger than the biggest concert halls, public parks and outdoor ampitheaters.
And he was a magnet for talent. The best musicians alive respected Erich’s unique concert mastery and wanted to work with him. He called most of them personally when he needed them, told them he had created a program just for them, that they were coming to Cincinnati to do the program and afterwards they were going out to get drunk together. And they came. And they did. And then they came back and did it all again and again.
Erich truly loved Cincinnati. He loved its musical history and Over-the-Rhine, its grand Music Hall, its Conservatory of Music , all its music lovers, its sports, zoo, rivers, hills, restaurants, family values. He was a natural teacher and mentor. It pained him to see the quality of life decline in Over-the-Rhine.
On a summer night twenty-three years ago, after a backyard dinner and a few beers, Erich told my wife and me that he had had a wonderful dream and he was going to make it come true. He dreamed that there would be an arts school next to Music Hall, like Lincoln Center and Julliard. But this would be a public kindergarten through twelfth grade school, where kids from all over Cincinnati could study the arts in the heart of a Cincinnati arts district, with professional artists working in the same neighborhood and offering training and master classes to the students in the school. Like I’d often heard him tell a musician at the other end of the phone that she or he was going to come to Cincinnati and perform with the Pops, he told me that night that I was going to help him bring this dream to life. Fifteen years and many, many project challenges later I was directing the fundraising campaign to build the new School for Creative and Performing Arts.
Now because Erich never doubted the harmony of his dream, and because a line of doubters and naysayers over two decades long was no match for his power to inspire, the first k-12 public arts school in America is about to open at Over-the-Rhine’s doorstep.
We all owe Erich Kunzel a great debt of gratitude. I know I’m one of many who can say I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for the great privilege of having Erich as a friend. Cincinnati would not be what it is today were it not for the great privilege of having Erich as its pied piper. I’m just sorry I won’t be getting any more Erich Kunzel birthday cards. And I’m sorry we can’t get drunk afterwards.
I had the good fortune to see Maestro Kunzel conduct the National Symphony Orchestra in the music of John Williams several years back. Being a violinist and watching such a master conduct, it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. He was an inspiration and showing that music is available in all forms — not just the classics. Thank you, Maestro — you will be missed.
Being from Utah, I loved your work with The Tabernacle Choir. I have always admired your work, but I admired your tenacity more when you conducted their concert here this June when you were battling cancer. You will be remembered for many things and you will be in my heart for your heart and for your magnificent work. God Bless Your Memory! You will be sorely missed.
What a great Cincinnatian. The SCPA should be named in his honor. He was so important to the entire cultural environment of this city. He will be greatly missed.
What a treasure we have all lost! Our deepest condolences to the family of Maestro Kunzel and to all of the POPS orchestra and friends. We will always count it a privilege to have been at the August 1st final concert at Riverbend with our leader. His choice of Sesame Street’s “Sing a Song” was the perfect ending prior to his leaving the stage “thumbs up” as always. You will be missed, Maestro! You were most beloved in Cincinnati and well beyond.
Ed & Rita Fisher, Milford
My first personal encounter of maestro Kunzel was at one of the “Concert in the Park” series in Sharonville, Ohio. I was immediately hooked on this conductor. He was so animated and warm. His style won me over. I have been his fan ever since. He will always be my hero. Maestro Kunzel has left a legacy for adults and children alike with all he has accomplished. I will miss him, we will all miss him.
BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO to a fine gentleman.
BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO to a fine gentleman
As a 30 year member of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir I had many opportunities to sing Pops Concerts under Maestro Kunzel’s baton. Even though “Pops” is not my favorite form of music it was always a joy to sing this repertoire with him. Erich Kunzel was among the best conductors for a chorus that I have sung for. His directions were unambiguous and he always made it clear just when to start singing (with an upheld forefinger and a meaningful glance a few measures before our entrance), when to stop, and even when to stand and sit. His seemingly relaxed and easy style will be greatly missed by the musical world and its audience.
Dear family and friends of Erich Kunzel…
The Miami Senior Center wishes to extend our condolences on the loss of a great conductor and civic leader….a loss really for the whole world…..His music spanned the globe and his vision will be realized in the near future…..The Miami Seniors have attended most of the Pops concerts at Music Hall and at Riverbend over the past 25 years….He has brought an inmeasureable amount of pleasure to my groups and the nice thing is-will live on through his work and recordings,,,They will certainly feel the loss , but know that he has laid the groundwork for many more lifetimes of enjoyment…Our support for the Pops and Symphony Orchestras will continue despite his loss-I’m sure he would have wanted it that way!
We were privileged to enjoy Erich both with the Indianapolis Symphony and on CD, and this wonderful man was the epitome of musical talent. The quality of his music was always uplifting, and the arrangements he either created or chose were the kind that left his audiences in a spirit of joy. His enthusiasm on the podium was unequaled by anyone anywhere.
The opportunities he gave others, especially young musicians, provided many with an entry into the professional music world that might never have happened without him.
We always made an extra special date night whenever Erich was in Indianapolis and looked forward to seeing him year after year with the ISO. There will never be another Erich, but the memories he has left all of us will be a wonderful legacy and will go on and on as he would have wanted.
May his spirit and soul live on.
What a wonderfully talented and gracious gentleman. His warmth
and genuine affection for his music, his musicians, and his
audiences was contagious. We all loved him. He also showed
us how to be brave and heroic in his final months. Well done,
Maestro.
Erich-
Words can’t express how much we thank you for all you did for Cincinnati. Memories of the great music, energy and entertainment that you brought to this city will forever be cherished by all of us.
We will always remember your passion, your twinkle, your fabulous ideas. We will especially remember the idea you talked about one night on the back steps of our house 20 some years ago – Your dream for a new performing arts school adjacent to Music Hall. Your magnificent spirit and energy made this happen. This dream will live on in all the students who will be inspired and enriched by the school and your life.
We will always “sing, sing a song for you” and appreciate the “people in our neighborhood”.
I was a small child when Maestro Kunzel first came to Cincinnati, so for me (I’m 48 now) he’s been the only one ever. Growing up in Bellevue, KY., the 6th of 6 kids, we always had all kinds of music playing on the radio at home, but my mother especially loved classical music, so we heard lots of that. I heard about Music Hall and how beautiful it was, and when I was in the 6th grade, our school took us to see the Hall and hear a concert conducted by Mr. Kunzel. It was wonderful, just what I’d dreamed it would be! As I grew, I heard recordings the Symphony and Pops made, and watched specials on PBS, enjoying the fame “my” conductor was achieving. Then I began hearing him on television and radio, speaking of the arts in Cincinnati and Northern Ky., and urging people to continue to support them through good times and bad, speaking eloquently of the important part they play in our lives. I married, and my husband and I, living in Westwood, managed to see a few concerts, always with great enjoyment. In 2007, I was diagnosed with breast cancer; with the support of my husband and our 2 small children, I went through surgeries, chemo, radiation and all and beat it. I’m now a 1+ year survivor, and when I heard of Erich’s diagnosis, I was stunned. I began praying that he, too, would beat the beast, asking God to give he and his family grace and strength to fight. He fought, but lost. We all lost so much; his family, who lost a most wonderful and loving member; his friends, who had shared in so much of his work, love and triumphs; the musical community, who had a person with sparkling energy who gave his best to them and brought the best from them; his fans all over and especially here in Cincinnati, who basked in his warmth, loved his work, laughed with him, and had the encouragement of his commitment to the arts to help us be a better community, a better city. As many others here have said, I think the new SCPA building should be named after the man who believed and fought to make it come true. To his family, all I can say is we mourn with you, although yours is the greater loss. However, I hope you continue to remember his life and the good times you had, and continue to be grateful for the time you did have with him; honor his life, as we all should do. God bless you and keep you; I will keep praying for your peace. Maestro Erich, to you–May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand. Thank you.
Many a beautiful night, sitting a Riverbend, listening to Erich and the Pops! Thanks for a great memory Erich
When we 1st moved to Cincinnati in 1998 — we were introduced to the Cincinnati Pops and the marvelous talent of Erich Kunzel! It was the most remarkable and breath taking experience we could have imagined. Our sons, Kevin and Adam, were performers in the Chipola Symphony Orchestra in Marianna, FL., for two years — and Erich’s talent and wonderful music was in an inspiration to my sons! They have continued their music performances while residing in the area now. We saw first-hand what tremendous talent was unveiled in the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. We enjoyed many concerts and will miss Erich Kunzel and his uplifting demeanor, wonderful smile and the enthusiasm for making music for all to share, not only in Cincinnati – but the entire world! I had the pleasure of seeing Erich perform at Riverbend with the Morman Tabernacle Choir – it was amazing!!!
My prayers for his wife and family. Thank you Maestro Kunzel for giving us memorable music for a lifetime of enjoyment!
We came to Cincinnati in 1969 and immediately became aware of Erich Kunzel and we subscribed to the Pops for several years. But my appreciation for this man was surpassed and amplified on an upfront and personal basis when I was fortunate to have sung in the choir for the Riverbend presentation of “Porgy & Bess”. It was such a great experience to be part of that and see how beautifully he worked with people to get the best out of them – and to actually meet him…is just beyond description
We are very sorry to learn of the passing of Erich. We have many wonderful moments to remember as audience at performances of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra when Erich was the conductor of the “Pops” concerts. The orchestra played his musical selections with energy and enthusiasm all because of the spirit displayed by the Maestro. Our sincerest sympathy is extended to the Kunzel family may they forever recall and cherish their shared lives with this marvelous man.
My family dragged me to my first pops concert when I was 15. I was instantly hooked. Well done. You will be dearly missed. – Eric
Thank you dear, Lord, for Erich Kunzel and for the privelege of being a recipient of his creative talents. Thanks, Erich, for sharing your gifts with us
He will be greatly missed as an ambassador for our city and the CSO, and for his humor and zing as an entertainer. Blessing to his wife, Brunhilde.
Cincinnati’s Erich Kunzel and his gift of making music for us all, priceless.
I have enjoyed Erich’s music for many years. I was stunned when I heard the news of his passing. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family. Heaven has gained a remarkable musical genius. He now conducts with the angels and continues to make beautiful music. Rest in Peace, Erich. Your music is your legacy.
Performing with Erich Kunzel as a Singing Hoosier on the Disney Spectacular CD 20 years ago is a highlight of my life. I am so sad to hear of his passing. He brought great music to so many people and had such a fun way of doing it.
I live in the UNITED KINGDOM and went to a concert specially to see this great orchestra in a great city .. I have collected all of their TELARC recordings..
Will miss you so much Erich……
You were the best conductor in the world
Erich,
You will be missed but long remembered. Special thanks for superb music and programs that have thrilled and delighted millions of people over many years. You have countless fans of which I am but one.
As a member of the May Festival Chorus for 26 years, I have many fond memories of Pops Concerts at Music Hall and Riverbend led by Maestro Kunzel. It was so wonderful to listen to his knowledge of composers and the musical theatre and sing the music under him. He knew how to make music fun for the audience and the performers on stage. We were able to communicate so many different emotions and touch the hearts of the audience in so many different ways. The Fourth of July concerts were so special with the salute to the veterans in the different service groups. The music world was certainly better because of Erich and the people of Cincinnati were certainly fortunate to have this great talent in our own Music Hall. I feel blessed to have had been associated with him. He left very large shoes to fill but those who worked with him did catch his spirit and I’m sure it will continue. My sincere sympathy to all.
Words lack effective and affective affirmation for the various works Eric has created and the vast inspiration he has generated in our city, state, country and universe. It was an honor to attend musical performances and watch him work the stage and the audiance.
Words lack effective and affective affirmation for the various works Eric has created and the vast inspiration he has generated in our city, state, country and universe. It was an honor to attend musical performances and watch him work the stage and the audience.
We were very sad to hear of Maestro Kunzel’s passing. It was like losing a friend. His regular visits to Toronto to conduct the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and share his wonderful music with us have long been a highlight of our concert season. He will be missed.
While I have never had the privilege of hearing Maestro Kunzel in person, I have heard and seen his dynamic conducting style at the ‘Capital Fourth’ program broadcast every year on PBS. The music was always electrifying and made so by Maestro Kunzel’s conducting. He will be missed on this concert, for sure.
I also own many of his CD’s on the TELARC label and get much pleasure from them in my home -they are all fabulous and also illustrate his conducting style most admirably!
My condolences to the entire symphony family on this great loss. May he rest in peace!
Eric’s visits to Toronto as a leader of most of our Pop Concerts were always a highlight
of the year. We will miss him greatly.
We have enjoyed Maestro Kunzel’s concerts for many years.He will be missed very much .Our thoughts are with his family.Heaven will be much richer.
Maestro Kunzel:
How inspiring and heartwarming it has been to have attended your Pops Concerts over the many years that you have performed in Toronto! Your elegance, refined technique and intelligence has graced our stage. How fortunate we are to have been enriched by your presence. You will be sadly missed, but never forgotten! It will be an immense challenge for other conductors to try to attain the superior quality of performance that you have set.
Mrs. Kunzel and your family, please receive solace in knowing that so many admirers around the World have adored your husband / family member / conductor and share your sorrow. Our hearts are saddend. May time and beautiful memories lighten your path to healing! In Fond Memory!
Noreen and Michael Shorser
Before Cincinnati, even before Dartmouth, Erich was creating musical opportunities for others. I was one of ultimately thousands of high school and college students in Greenwich, Connecticut who participated in productions of musical excellence, conceived and directed by Erich Kunzel. In the mid-nineteen-fifties, Erich founded the Summer Youth Festival – in the basement of the Old Greenwich Congregational Church. The Summer Youth Festival continued to produce annual professional quality musical comedies, complete with full orchestra, cords de ballet and polished choruses for many decades. The youth of Greenwich continues to benefit from Erich’s gifts of musical talent and leadership.
We In Greater Toronto will surely miss this great man who brought lovely music,joy and laughter to our hearts. His concerts were always an outstanding hit at Roy Thompson Hall, and in these,he brought so many talented performers to entertain us and to give them an audience. He was a GREAT man
I sang in the May Festival Chorus and/or from the time I was in 2nd grade until I left Cincinnati n20 years ago. Erich Kunzel has been and always will be, in my mind, one the best conductors I have EVER had the privlege of singing under. He was fun, talented and truly an amazing to perform with. I have sung with James Levine, Robert Shaw and many other GREAT talents, but Erich was the best. I always watched his concerts from DC on the holidays and pruchased many of the POPS CD’s but it wasn’t the same and singing under his direction.
Rest in Peace Erich!!!!
Erich: we will miss your visits to Toronto,conducting the TSO Pop Concerts: We enjoyed your wit and musical knowledge. My you rest in peace and maybe conduct the chorus of Angels up above.
Words cannot express the feelings of excitement and passion to be in the audience or on stage with this great man. And words cannot express the silence and mourning this city now knows of the arts community without him. Music comes in many forms complex and simple. It is making all forms of music approachable and enjoyable that I believe is Maestro Kunzel’s legacy.
Each generation has great musician. I am honored to have lived in the grace of this dear artist.
Rest in Peace
Friend.
We just returned from an extended vacation to learn that Erich Kunzel passed away. We are deeply saddened by the news, and send our sincere condolences to the family.
Over the years we have spent many hours at Music Hall enjoying Erich’s wonderful conducting skills, and the amazing rapport he had with his audience. Every concert was an absolute delight; an evening filled with wonderful music and Erich’s delightful sense of humor.
Erich, you brought the joy of music to Cincinnati……we were so very blessed to have you in our community. Thank you for the years you shared with us, we will never forget you.
Such sad news for all who knew and loved him. I go back to high school days. Even then his genius was so evident.
Rest in peace, Erich.
We have attended the Toronto Symphony Orchestra Pop concerts for over 20 years and cherished each concert that Maestro Kunzel conducted. He brought passion, joy, and laughter to each concert along with his great knowledge of music.
We have been blessed to have Maetro Kunzel grace our city and stage at Roy Thomposon Hall and
know that he will forever be conducting and continuing his music with the angels.
You worked your magic on the people of Cincinnati, and created wonderful, lasting memories. We were blessed to have you in our midst to bring us joy and an appreciation of the beauty that is music.
Sólo pienso en darle gracias a él y a la cinncinati pops por haber ampliado mi horizonte musical de una manera muy diferente e intersante, su legado perdurará en la historia de la humanidad.
GRACIAS ERICH…
From the heart of a city
to it’s river’s bend.
Sent from above
called back again.
I have reviewed dozens of Maestro Kunzel recordings in the page of my magazine Audio Review (Italy). So many enthusiasts have come to appreciate classical music thanks to his alway enoyable music making.
Grazie Eric.
Marco Cicogna
This is a note to Brunhilde.
Wir moechten Ihnen unseren tiefsten Beileid aussprechen.
Erich hatten einen so enorm positiven Einfluss auf seine Umgebung, dass man nur mit einem Laecheln und reizenden Erinnerungen an ihn denken kann.
Er hat sich auch so enorm fuer die Stadt Cincinnati, fuer SCPA, fuer junge Musiker und Dirigenten eingesetzt, dass er vielen immer noch nach Jahren in guter Erinnerung bleiben wird.
Wir danken die Chance gehabt zu haben, Ihn als Freund betrachten zu duerfen.
Mit freundlichen Gruessen
Ute und Hans Joachim Paepke aus Cincinnati, Ohio
What a joy it was for us to attend the many Pops concerts in our beautiful Music Hall. Our last concert to see him was the Mormon Choir. It was a truly memorable occasion! Our thoughts are with his family. He will be missed.
May he rest in peace.
Even we were surprised by the extent of Erich’s contirbution to the community when we attended the Tecumseh Drama in Chillicothe this year. We bought the album “Reflections of an Indian Boy” and found that he had conducted the London Symphony Orchestra for the album and also the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra at the Tecumseh amphithrater dedication – in 1972
I had the good fortune of meeting Maestro Kunzel during the past year, which added even more to the experience of watching him conduct and experiencing the magic of the music he brought us all through the years. The love that flowed out to him from the crowd at the Rogers and Hammerstein concert on August 1st was so uplifting. You will be truly missed, Maestro! Godspeed on your journey.
The Friday night POPS concerts will never be the same. I can close my eyes and see Erich striding out on stage with his right hand in the air and hearing the audience responding with a rousing round of applause. He brought such joy to so many. He will never be forgotten. He made the concerts so much fun. He will always be the Prince of Pops. Thanks for taking all of us along for the ride. Good Sailing Erich.
i have enjoyed the cincinnati pops orchestra since the first performance! as a member of the may festival chorus for 17 years, i sang under his direction many times. I shall always remember the joy he brought to both performers and audience members. How thankful we are for all the recordings he made.My condolences to his wife and family.
Thank you for the joy you brought each time you visited us for the TSO Pops series. You will be sorely missed but have left lasting memories.
Thank you Maestro Erich Kunzel for the wonderful concerts in Toronto over so many years. The orchestra’s enthusiasm which Erich created brought much joy and fun to his concerts and we always appreciated his informative background anecdotes around the music in the program. I was privileged to meet Erich after one such concert a few years back. We shall miss him dearly but will cherish the memories.
Erich,
Your passing is an unspeakable loss to so many who have had the distinct pleasure of watching your unbounding energy while conducting our wonderful Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. I first had the pleasure of enjoying your talent and performances in the 80’s when I had season tickets to the Pops Concerts at Music Hall. I then moved outdoors for your lovely evening series of Concerts in the Park in the summers, and the Riverbend outdoor stage of which you were a part of in ways other than your concerts. The music selections for every event always touched a very special place in my heart.
To Mrs. Kunzel, family members, and all who had the pleasure of working under Erich, I send my condolences and deepest sympathy.
You are greatly missed Erich.
Pat
Erich will truly be missed. I enjoyed each performance I saw. Forest Park was honored to have him come each year. He will be hard to replace. His enthusiam energized his audience.
Thank you Erich.
Dear family and friends of Erich Kunzel,
I first saw Erich Kunzel conducting back when I was a teenager, he was conducting a rehearsal of West Side Story in 1988 in Toronto. He was full of life, energy and had an amazing sense of perfection, I was immediately mesmerized by him and was totally taken in by his vivacity and musicianship. Never did I think that one day I would work with him and we got the chance in 2008 doing an operetta concert tour with the Symphony Orchestra of the Vienna Volksoper. Upong telling him of my first introduction to him all those years ago we spoke of his past experience and involvment with orchestras around the world. We had a wonderful time together touring Japan and he was a great story teller not to mention the fact that he was a dream to any singer, he gave me a lot of support and belief, a true gift as a conductor and as a person. I am saddened to hear of his passing, he gave like no other and I wish him peace and eternal music making in the celestial spheres above.
Thanks for your amazing self Erich,
Yours always,
Siphiwe
Thanks to you our children have learned to appreciate music of all genres. They eagerly awaited each year’s Pops series tickets and would pick out their favorites to attend.We are thankful that we as a family had the opportunity to share in your love of music and your ability to make that music appeal to many different generations. We will miss you.
What delightful memories I have of the POPS concerts! Our very own Maestro will continue to shine from the podium, for he will always remain in our hearts.
Happy Trails!
I was eight years old, sitting in the audience at the Music Hall when Maestro Kunzel was introduced and raised his baton for the very first time in Cincinnati to lead the Orchestra. My wife and I were also at Riverbend on August 1st, which turned out to be the very last time the Great Maestro would ever take the platform in Cincinnati.
What words could ever express the loss of a man who was TOPS in his field.
A man, who by his mere movement brought beautiful music to life like none other in his generation. A man, who would stir your soul and could bring you to the heights and depths of your emotions… but would always leave you at the end of the evening with a warm smile on your face, a melody in your heart and red, sore hands from clapping so hard.
For those who were blessed enough to see him perform in person, they know that they will never see a star shine that bright again on any platform, anywhere in their lifetime.
To the family of Maestro Erich Kunzel; my wife and I, the patrons of the Arts not only in Cincinnati but from around the world share in your grief. I am sure that everyone would love to thank you for sharing such a great man with us. God Bless All of You!
Now if I may be so bold to add one more thought. I believe it is only right for the city of Cincinnati to place a STAR, like those seen on the Hollywood walk of fame, in the sidewalk in front of Music Hall honoring this beloved, gifted, talented man whom we all so dearly miss.
Most sincerely,
rick hays
Rising Sun, Indiana
Seeing Erich Kunzel for so many years, made my day. The concerts were always hopping, and he will truly be missed. I have almost every CD he conducted with The Cincinnati Pops. Listening to his music selections, put me in a trance. My foot never stopped tapping, and I always left the concert humming and smiling. He will never be replaced, and never forgotten.
I have never been to Cincinnati. I live a whole country away. But that distance was bridged for me by Erich Kunsel and his wonderful Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Every time I heard one of their performances on CD or on TV or on the radio, I felt a part of me was there, and a part of Cincinnati was here.
It is, therefore, with a sense of tremendous loss that I mourn for our great Maestro. We shall not see his likes again. The divine powers that see to such things, only give us one of people as special as Erich Kunsel. I think that is so we will appreciate him all the more.
Rest in peace, dear man.
Our family has enjoyed Erich Kunzel’s talent and music for many years, whether in Cincinnati or when we lived out of state. His genius will be missed by many a music lover; his talent with music and people was one of a kind. Our deep condolences to his family; we have all be blessed by the sharing of his talents and love for music.
Erich Kunzel,
A great talent among talents for the city of Cincinnati to have. it was great to sing under your wing, and to enjoy the performances that you led. you will be miss by a great many in our area and beyond.
i remember going into rehearsal for my first concert with the pops. it was star wars concert you put on in summer of 2005. you walked in with khakis and a star wars t-shirt. to be so professional at what you do, but also be so awesome and laid back. it was a great experience.
one summer i worked at Riverbend as well, and there were a few times when you passed me while i was working. most people just pass and ignore you, but you actually greeted the people you passed. you were a friendly man and a great leader. many looked up to you, and still do.
thank you for what you’ve brought to Cincinnati and your legacy will be remembered.
R.I.P.
Erich Kunzel
October 15, 2009
We learned only today that the maestro passed away. We are sure that he is already at the helm of an orchestra in a ‘better place’. We will always miss his vigour and his warmth; his talent and his love of people and we wish his family and colleagues our deepest condolences. From music lovers in Toronto.
It’s a sad day to learn that one of our most beloved dies so young. Erich was the first concert me and my husband went to (we live in Toronto Canada) and made it a tradition every year to specifically see him and him alone. It didn’t matter what he was doing, we wanted to see him. Because the first time we met him, he was so nice, the first time we went, he was a fantastic man. My husband was having trouble with the camera, afterwe bought his cd and I wanted to get a picture with him because he was such a great guy. He started to sing to us “What would you do with a drunken sailor!” loud and proud, which brought everyone in a fit of laughter.
Oh Erich. We’ll miss you and everything about you. My deepest sympathy for the family and allow them to smile because there is a very important factor here…. is that he lived and breathed people.
As a musician and as an artist, truly Conductor Erich Kunzel will be greatly missed not only for his music, but for his passion for the art of music. The angels will be playing beautiful music in heaven
and welcome such a beautiful person and incredible talent. Our thoughts and prayers are with
Mrs. Kunzel and the Kunzel family. God Bless. WWL
I had the pleasure of interviewing Erich when I covered a Halloween Concert by the Pops some years ago. It is so sad that he has left us. But he made the world a better place with his musical talents. Surely music is the greatest of God’s gifts to us. RIP, Erich.
My husband and I were very dismayed when we heard of Erich Kunzel’s death, as he was our favorite conductor. We saw his last concert at Riverbend Aug 1, and it was a night to remember – Rodgers & Hammerstein, which I love, and as only he could interpret. He came up the river on a riverboat full of fans. It was a great night on the lawn overlooking the Ohio River – he will truly be missed by so many!
Gracias Maestro!
Por sus innumerables grabaciones al frente de la CPO que tuvieron un gran impacto en mi desarrollo musical.
Descanse en Paz y que Dios lo bendiga!!!
As a young adult I have always enjoyed the Pops. Time after time Erich brought a joy to the stage noone else could.His smile and happiness would light up the crowd. We will miss him terribly. The memorial concert was wonderful. The tribute to his life, family and pops was heartfelt. Thank you Erich for all you have done!
After attending the wonderful memorial concert, it now is real we will never be blessed with Erich on stage again. He will certainly be missed. We have enjoyed many concerts at Music Hall, outdoors at Union Central in Forest Park, Riverbend and others. Our sincere sympathy to Mrs.Kunzel , Erichs family and friends. Mrs. Kunzel, thank you for sharing him with us.
My deep condolences!
I was shocked when I heard that Maestro Kunzel was dead! Without knowing about his illness I had thought to myself that this year might be the time that maybe another Christmas Music CD of Erich Kunzel conducting the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra would eventually come out (sof sale). But then sudddenly I heard about his death und immediately realized that never again will there be another new Christmas Music CD of his and the CPO or any other new CD, no new Film Music Compilation, no new Americana CD. That, along with his death is so sad!
Erich Kunzel actually brought me to Classical Music CDs, espcecially “Americana”, als well as “Pops” Film Music Compilations (along with John Williams and the Boston Pops) and “Pops” Christmas Music CDs back in the early 80s with his magnificent Telarc CDs and those bombastic dynamic sound performances! I was immediately amazed and stunned and even to this very day this “Pops” Music recordings of his and others have become my favorite music and I still collect whatever I can find (which is not easy in Germany) from “Pops” Orchestras CDs from Cincinnati, Boston and whereever else.
This is all thanks to Maestro Kunzel’s efforts.
I will miss him, his dynamic conductings and orchestrations of the CPO and I will miss new (never) coming out recordings of his and the CPO.
My thoughts are with his family and his grand music family in Cincinnati and around the world.
Rest in Piece, Erich!
I first met Erich in 1960 at Brown University when he was the brand-new director of the Pembroke (Women’s College of Brown) Glee Club. I remember going nervously to audition for him, but quickly being put at ease and welcomed into the chorus, where I sang happily for my four-year college career. He was a wonderful director, instilling in his singers a lasting love of music. Thanks to his early influence on me, I have been an active choral singer ever since. I have followed his illustrious career with interest and will miss his flair, charm and great talent.
He was the best. We can’t say more than that. Thanks!
Maestro Kunzel is largely responsible for inspiring my own career as a classical artist. As conductor of the Washington State All-State Orchestra he gave the young musicians there a true sense of the power and heartfelt passionate nature of real music making. For me, it led to a life-long pursuit of that intangible wonder and beauty.
I am grateful to him.
Having been on podium with thousands of young musicians since those days, I never underestimate what true passion, a word of encouragement or any other gesture of understanding might mean in the life of a young person.
Thank you Mr. Kunzel for all those fantastic concerts and wonderful CD’s. You were a great musician and artist. I hope your legacy will live on. My deepest sympathy and condolances for Mrs. Kunzel & family and The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.