“Harpist Ann Hobson Pilot did not set out to break social and professional barriers, but as an African-American musician, that’s what she did,” writes Chris Angermann in Friday’s (3/17) Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Florida). “In 1966, when she was hired by the Washington National Symphony, she became the first African-American female principal player in an American symphony orchestra. Later, she held the same position at the Boston Pops and Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), where she performed with such legendary conductors as Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Fiedler, Seiji Ozawa and James Levine. Now she lives in Sarasota, and performs as a guest artist and in recitals, like her March 21 concert at Neel Performing Arts Center with flutist Leone Buyse.… In addition to her occasional concert performances, Pilot will be recognized in June with the Gold Baton, the highest honor from the League of American Orchestras at the organization’s national conference in Detroit. ‘For over 50 years, Ann Hobson Pilot has been a trailblazer in the world of orchestras and classical music,’ League President and CEO Jesse Rosen said, … ‘From her earliest years, she has been a compelling musical presence and an inspiration to colleagues, students and audiences.’ ” For more on Pilot and the League’s 2017 Conference, click here.
Posted March 21, 2017
