Wednesday’s (2/12) New York Times includes an obituary of harpist Deborah Hoffman, who died Wednesday at age 53 after suffering a prolonged and rare lung condition. She served as principal harp in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra beginning in 1986, and at the time of her death was also on the roster of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in New York City and a member of the faculty at Aspen Music Festival and School. Hoffman had also taught in Verbier, Switzerland, and at Manhattan School of Music. She performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, including appearances with the MET Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. A graduate of The Juilliard School, she won top prizes in the Seventh International Harp Competition in Israel as well as the 1981 American Harp Society Competition. Survivors include her father, Irwin Hoffman, founding conductor of the Florida Orchestra; her mother, Esther Glazer, a noted violin teacher; brothers Joel, Gary, and Toby, all of whom are musicians; her husband, conductor Roger Nierenberg; and two step-children, David and Rachel Nierenberg.
Posted February 14, 2014
