In Thursday’s (1/24) New York Times, Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim writes, “The conductor Stephen Simon founded L’Orchestre des Portes Rouges in 2010 as a chamber ensemble dedicated to presenting lesser-known instrumental works in the Church of the Resurrection on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, naming it after the building’s cheerful red doors. On Tuesday evening the orchestra presented a program of radiant and quirky gems that Mr. Simon had put together with an eye for humorous details and solo opportunities for his players. … But Mr. Simon died of a stroke on Sunday at 75, according to Lee Ryder, personal assistant to Mr. Simon and his wife, Bonnie Ward Simon. Tuesday’s performance, ably directed by the church’s organist and choir director, David Enlow, became a memorial to Mr. Simon’s roving curiosity, sense of humor and unflagging efforts to share the pleasure of good music with a wide range of audiences.” The program included music by Holst, Haydn, Bach, and American composer Dominick Argento. “Mr. Enlow drew fresh and lively performances from the players that fully did justice to Mr. Simon’s spirit.”
Posted January 24, 2013
