The League is saddened to learn of the death of Gideon Toeplitz, on Sunday while he was visiting family in Israel. Toeplitz had a remarkable career as one of the most respected administrators in the performing arts and was the executive vice president and managing director of the Pittsburgh Symphony from 1987-2003. There he was instrumental in attracting Mariss Jansons as music director and Marvin Hamlisch as principal pops conductor. Additionally, Toeplitz served as executive director of the Houston Symphony for six years; as orchestra manager at the Boston Symphony Orchestra; and was assistant manager of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. League of American Orchestras President and CEO Jesse Rosen commented, “Gideon Toeplitz demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the quality of orchestral playing in all the orchestras he served. While at the Pittsburgh Symphony, his longest tenure, he led a period of extraordinary artistic growth recognized throughout the world. We will miss him but remain inspired by his ideals. Our wishes are with his family.” The Hub will carry a full obituary of Toeplitz in the next few days.
Posted October 17, 2011
