Recently retired violinist Herbert Light reflects on his extraordinary 56 year career in the Philadelphia Orchestra.
As I look back on my 56 years as a member of this great orchestra, I am confronted with mixed emotions. When I was accepted into the orchestra in 1960, it was the greatest day of my life and the fulfillment of a dream. The memories of being on stage with such legendary conductors and soloists such as Stokowski, Stravinsky, Copland, Klemperer, Sutherland, Fischer-Dieskau, Serkin, Gilels, Rubinstein, Stern, Menuhin, Francescatti and Milstein, will be with me forever. The level of performance of the orchestra, both collectively and individually, is better than ever. It is not a mystery as to why the Philadelphia Orchestra was for more than a century, among the top few in the country. Our contract led the way for all orchestras, with every contractual item at or near the top. As I embark upon this new phase of my life, I fervently hope that in the not too distant future, the Philadelphia Orchestra will return to this well earned leadership role in the symphonic field.
4 Comments
Roland Corson
11/11/2018 06:14:43 pm
It warms my heart to read about you as I sit in stone Harbor remembering our childhood. Roland
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Janet Wachtell Hadler
7/25/2021 09:04:44 am
Mr. Light,
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Frank Zinni
8/3/2022 02:34:29 pm
Hi Herb. It's it your old friend from the music society etc. Hope all is well. At the request of Elena Winter who lives near us now I located a place to archive the music and programs from the MSSNJ. I Contacted the Camden County Historical Society and Elena and I met with the collections manager yesterday. They have agreed to archive the tapes programs etc so it will be preserved. Of course we explained your prominent role. If you. can please send me a phone number if you wish to know more. Best wishes. Frank
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Joel Krackow
9/13/2022 11:07:29 pm
Herb I am listening to Bach’s Double Violin Concerto
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