“Neil Courtney, 82, of Center City, a double bass player with the Philadelphia Orchestra for 48 years and the ‘king of the double bass in Philadelphia,’ died Wednesday, June 17,” writes Peter Dobrin in Friday’s (6/19) Philadelphia Inquirer. “He joined the orchestra as a section player in 1962, and served as assistant principal double bassist from 1988 until his retirement in 2010…. As a composer, he expanded the stock of works highlighting his instrument’s capabilities…. His Songs and Dance, a trio for trumpet, piano, and bass that premiered in 1999, moved easily between classical and jazz…. He offered to write melodies as rewards to orchestra donors, and helped negotiate several musicians’ contracts…. Born in Rochester, N.Y., and a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Mr. Courtney, while still a student, played three seasons with the Rochester Philharmonic under Erich Leinsdorf. He joined the U.S. Marine Band, and studied with the Philadelphia Orchestra’s then-principal bassist, Roger Scott. He was principal bassist with the National Symphony Orchestra for four years before leaving for Philadelphia. He had wide influence as a teacher, mentoring perhaps 100 students in his lifetime.” He is survived by his wife, Julie, two daughters, and a son.
Posted June 23, 2015
