The Life of Sidney Rothstein
ROTHSTEIN
Sidney Rothstein, a nationally known conductor whose professional career spanned a 50 year period, died at the age of 80, in Wyomissing, Pa. on February 2nd 2017. Rothstein’s specialty was working with metropolitan orchestras with whom he used his extensive repertoire to build the artistic level of their musicians. His expertise in developing new corporate involvement, funding resources, and showcasing both American soloists and composers, resulted in each orchestra becoming a vital artistic force within its community.
Born in Philadelphia in 1936, his life was a musical journey. He began lessons on his grandfather’s violin at the age of 9, becoming an accomplished violinist and violist of professional stature. At the age of 25 Rothstein received formal training from the legendary Pierre Monteaux at the Domaine School in Hancock, Maine, and in Europe. In 1964 he founded the Orchestra Society of Philadelphia and was their Music Director from 1964-1976. In his final year with that orchestra he conducted the Symphony No.8 by Gustav Mahler (The Symphony of a Thousand) to officially open Philadelphia’s Bicentennial celebration. The performance was broadcast nationally and widely acclaimed as a spectacular accomplishment. “At the close of the concert, the audience went wild and joined the sea of performers in cheering their brilliant, masterful conductor, Sidney Rothstein” (Philadelphia Bulletin, March 27, 1976.) In recognition of his innovative programming for the public of Philadelphia and for his offering opportunity and exposure to American artists, Combs College of Music, Philadelphia PA awarded Maestro Rothstein an Honorary Doctor of Music Degree in May of 1975.
In 1976 the Reading Symphony Board (RSO), Reading PA, invited Rothstein to conduct the RSO. Several months later he became associate conductor of the Honolulu Symphony and he commuted from Reading to Honolulu for four years. In 1980 he became Music Director and Conductor of the West Virginia Symphony in Charleston and in 1983 he added Music Director and Conductor of the Florida Symphony in Orlando to his workload. Until 1987 he conducted all 3 orchestras. Because of scheduling conflicts, he eventually gave up the Florida and West Virginia Symphonies and moved to Reading. In 1983 Albright College, Reading PA conferred the Doctor of Humanities degree on Maestro Rothstein. In 1996 he accepted the post of Conductor of the Ridgefield Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, which he held until 2006.
In April 2006, Rothstein brought to a close his 30 year tenure as Music Director of the Reading Symphony, dedicated his final performance, "Ein Heldenleben” (A Hero’s Life), by Richard Strauss, to all of the supporters of the orchestra, calling them his “heroes”. With the Reading Symphony’s 100th Anniversary celebrated in 2013, Rothstein stated he was always proud to be one-third of their history. A newspaper tribute from Susan Pena, Music Critic of the Reading Eagle, noted "No one has done more to shape the fabric of this orchestra, or indeed, music in our community, through the past three decades, while under his leadership, the RSO entered a period of unprecedented growth."
Notable Quotes during Rothstein’s career: For the official opening of Philadelphia’s Bicentennial celebration, James Felton, Music Critic of the Evening Bulletin, wrote “It was a rare privilege to be there. It was one of those sublime moments in a lifetime when the sheer mass of sound and sight were of such magnitude and quality as to be remembered always."
And in January of 1984, James Roos of the Miami Herald wrote the following "there was a new and healthy solidity to the Florida Symphony’s playing. Rothstein is a man who can get maximum results. I had never heard the orchestra playing with such professional point and style, and fullness of sound. Rothstein knows his business. He wants clarity, precision and musical line from an orchestra and what is far more important he knows how to get them."
After hearing Mahler's Symphony No. 6 at the Ridgefield Symphony in May 2004, Howard Tuvelle reported in the Ridgefield press "writing as a musician and reviewer, it was one of the most soul stirring and breath taking, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime, live performances I have experienced in more than half a century of listening to music.
Rothstein is survived by his brother, Dr. Edward Rothstein and his wife Christine, 2 nephews and a niece.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the:
Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra
147 North 5th Street, Suite 4 | Reading, PA 19601 | 610-373-7557
Checks made out to the Reading Symphony Orchestra with a note that the donation is for the RSYO
or
The Reading Musical Foundation
http://readingmusicalfoundation.org/
kshultz@readingmusicalfoundation.org
Mailing Address: PO Box 14835, Reading, PA 19601
Physical Address: 201 Washington Street, Suite 503, Reading, PA 19601
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Sunday February 26, 2017 at the Conservatory at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, 225 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Arrangements by West Laurel Hill Funeral Home, Inc. www.westlaurelhill.com
Sidney Rothstein, a nationally known conductor whose professional career spanned a 50 year period, died at the age of 80, in Wyomissing, Pa. on February 2nd 2017. Rothstein’s specialty was working with metropolitan orchestras with whom he used his extensive repertoire to build the artistic level of their musicians. His expertise in developing new corporate involvement, funding resources, and showcasing both American soloists and composers, resulted in each orchestra becoming a vital artistic force within its community.
Born in Philadelphia in 1936, his life was a musical journey. He began lessons on his grandfather’s violin at the age of 9, becoming an accomplished violinist and violist of professional stature. At the age of 25 Rothstein received formal training from the legendary Pierre Monteaux at the Domaine School in Hancock, Maine, and in Europe. In 1964 he founded the Orchestra Society of Philadelphia and was their Music Director from 1964-1976. In his final year with that orchestra he conducted the Symphony No.8 by Gustav Mahler (The Symphony of a Thousand) to officially open Philadelphia’s Bicentennial celebration. The performance was broadcast nationally and widely acclaimed as a spectacular accomplishment. “At the close of the concert, the audience went wild and joined the sea of performers in cheering their brilliant, masterful conductor, Sidney Rothstein” (Philadelphia Bulletin, March 27, 1976.) In recognition of his innovative programming for the public of Philadelphia and for his offering opportunity and exposure to American artists, Combs College of Music, Philadelphia PA awarded Maestro Rothstein an Honorary Doctor of Music Degree in May of 1975.
In 1976 the Reading Symphony Board (RSO), Reading PA, invited Rothstein to conduct the RSO. Several months later he became associate conductor of the Honolulu Symphony and he commuted from Reading to Honolulu for four years. In 1980 he became Music Director and Conductor of the West Virginia Symphony in Charleston and in 1983 he added Music Director and Conductor of the Florida Symphony in Orlando to his workload. Until 1987 he conducted all 3 orchestras. Because of scheduling conflicts, he eventually gave up the Florida and West Virginia Symphonies and moved to Reading. In 1983 Albright College, Reading PA conferred the Doctor of Humanities degree on Maestro Rothstein. In 1996 he accepted the post of Conductor of the Ridgefield Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, which he held until 2006.
In April 2006, Rothstein brought to a close his 30 year tenure as Music Director of the Reading Symphony, dedicated his final performance, "Ein Heldenleben” (A Hero’s Life), by Richard Strauss, to all of the supporters of the orchestra, calling them his “heroes”. With the Reading Symphony’s 100th Anniversary celebrated in 2013, Rothstein stated he was always proud to be one-third of their history. A newspaper tribute from Susan Pena, Music Critic of the Reading Eagle, noted "No one has done more to shape the fabric of this orchestra, or indeed, music in our community, through the past three decades, while under his leadership, the RSO entered a period of unprecedented growth."
Notable Quotes during Rothstein’s career: For the official opening of Philadelphia’s Bicentennial celebration, James Felton, Music Critic of the Evening Bulletin, wrote “It was a rare privilege to be there. It was one of those sublime moments in a lifetime when the sheer mass of sound and sight were of such magnitude and quality as to be remembered always."
And in January of 1984, James Roos of the Miami Herald wrote the following "there was a new and healthy solidity to the Florida Symphony’s playing. Rothstein is a man who can get maximum results. I had never heard the orchestra playing with such professional point and style, and fullness of sound. Rothstein knows his business. He wants clarity, precision and musical line from an orchestra and what is far more important he knows how to get them."
After hearing Mahler's Symphony No. 6 at the Ridgefield Symphony in May 2004, Howard Tuvelle reported in the Ridgefield press "writing as a musician and reviewer, it was one of the most soul stirring and breath taking, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime, live performances I have experienced in more than half a century of listening to music.
Rothstein is survived by his brother, Dr. Edward Rothstein and his wife Christine, 2 nephews and a niece.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the:
Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra
147 North 5th Street, Suite 4 | Reading, PA 19601 | 610-373-7557
Checks made out to the Reading Symphony Orchestra with a note that the donation is for the RSYO
or
The Reading Musical Foundation
http://readingmusicalfoundation.org/
kshultz@readingmusicalfoundation.org
Mailing Address: PO Box 14835, Reading, PA 19601
Physical Address: 201 Washington Street, Suite 503, Reading, PA 19601
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Sunday February 26, 2017 at the Conservatory at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, 225 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Arrangements by West Laurel Hill Funeral Home, Inc. www.westlaurelhill.com
Filter Sidney Rothstein's Timeline by the following Memory Categories
2017.02.07
Tribute to the Maestro!
As a teacher, conductor and friend Sidney will be missed by many.
While working with Sidney on various projects over the past few years, I became aware of all the people Sidney inspired and influenced during his lifetime. His artistic ability, coupled with his knowledge and love of music was a gift to all who knew him. Bravo Sidney!
Note: In the event you did not see the wonderful tribute to Sidney on the Channel 69 News, WFMZ, here is the link: https://shar.es/19m2yr
Posted by Catherine S
2017.02.07
Farewell El Sid
The Little Orchestra Society of Philadelphia shaped my life as a musician and I owe a huge debt to Sidney. Reading one or two or sometimes even three works of music on Friday nights prepared me for the kind of sight-reading necessary to become a studio recording musician, which I did in Los Angeles for many years. Playing chamber music at Sid's carriage house off of City Line Avenue was great fun and also contributed to my musical education. He was a great programmer, and an inspiring conductor. We played our hearts out for him.
When Sid was coming back from his stint with the Honolulu Symphony, we took a memorable road trip from L.A. across the country in his low-slung Sting Ray, stopping at several tourist sites along the way. I kept a journal, and to this day, when I reread it, I laugh myself silly, with tears steaming down my cheeks. Since then, I'd kept in contact with Sid with occasional visits, phone-calls, and e-mail, as recently as early January of this year.
Sid always said his favorite color was black, but he had a heart of gold.
Rest easy, old friend.
Bonnie
Posted by Bonnie S
2017.02.07
My oldest cousin, Sid
Sidney was my oldest cousin. I was the "baby" of them all. He was about 12 when I was born. He must have been either in late high school or college for my first memories of him. He'd show me his violin, and play a bit for me. Just me. Thrilling to be a part of someone "big" for a little kid. When my daughter began playing violin at age 7, I told her that someday she might get to meet my cousin, the violinist and conductor. Sid came to Washington State to conduct a State orchestra in which my daughter had been chosen, with hundreds of others, to play. We invited Sid out for dinner one evening during that episode, and he took the time to go with us. I know, we're family, but I can only assume how busy he must have been. Afterwards, he took time to hear her play, and give her some advice. What a kind, considerate man he was. Always teaching and sharing his love of music.
Posted by Joy A
2017.02.08
Sid Rothstein at the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra
At one point in his career Sid Rothstein ran two RSO’s: the Reading Symphony Orchestra and the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. In Ridgefield he pushed the orchestra and the board, and he got impressive results. Although all players were professionals, he held auditions anyway. He programmed some giant pieces which the RSO had never played before. Examples include Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, Holst’s The Planets, Mahler’s Sixth Symphony, and R. Strauss’ Alpine Symphony. He added a two-concert series at the Ridgefield Playhouse, and one of those concerts, “Marvelous Mozart,” was frequently sold out. He also repeated several concerts in New Canaan. He also helped to initiate the youth orchestras. When Rothstein left the RSO in August, 2006, the budget was over $600,000, and the number of concerts performed per season had doubled. He started with a first-rate ensemble and ended by raising the bar even higher. Ridgefield was lucky to have him.
---George Leeman, Ridgefield, CT
Posted by George L
2017.02.13
First Impression....Lasting Impression
A new era in the history of the Reading Symphony began on a Sunday afternoon in October 1976 when Sidney strode briskly onto the stage, leaped to the podium baton poised, the red lining of his blazer coattail flashing, and struck up the National Anthem. What began as his covering a single concert for our indisposed conductor evolved into a 30-year musical odyssey. In that afternoon, neither the orchestra nor the audience knew the glorious music that they would play and we would hear over those ensuing 30 years. The repertoire for each concert was carefully chosen, each selection building and expanding the skills of the musicians and the ears and knowledge of the audience. Music unfamiliar to the Reading audience began to appear on the program...Mahler? Stravinsky? Holst? We quickly understood and trusted that the Maestro knew best...our musical horizons were broadened each season. Thirty years are impossible to summarize in a paragraph or two, but personally, those thirty years of musical milestones and personal friendship enriched my life beyond measure. As long as I attend concerts, there will be flash-back memories of an RSO concert, with a familiar piece on the program and Maestro Sidney on the podium. Thank you, Sidney.
Posted by penelope p