[Trombone-l] Steven Witser, RIP

[Stan Brager]

Today's Los Angeles Times reported the death of the principle trombonist of
the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Steven Witser. Below is the text of his
obituary:

 

Stan

Stan Brager

.................

Steven Witser dies at 48; L.A. Philharmonic's principal trombonist

Before joining the L.A. Philharmonic in 2007, Witser was assistant principal
trombonist and acting principal trombonist of the Cleveland Orchestra.

>From A Times Staff Writer

8:22 PM PDT, April 28, 2009

Steven Witser, principal trombonist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, died of
an apparent heart attack Monday night in Pasadena, the orchestra announced.
He was 48.

"The shock of Steve's sudden and unexpected death has robbed us of one of
our most beloved and respected musicians," Deborah Borda, president and
chief executive of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, said in a statement. "He
was not only a wonderful player, but a great friend and colleague and very
active in the organization. He will be deeply missed."

Witser joined the Philharmonic as principal trombonist in September 2007.
Before that he was assistant principal trombonist and acting principal
trombonist of the Cleveland Orchestra.

A native of Oakland, Witser was born Aug. 22, 1960.

In an interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper some years ago,
Witser said his mother wanted him to play an instrument but not trumpet,
which his brother had already taken up. Witser said he thought of playing
drums until the fourth grade, when he found himself with a trombone.

"Everyone picked up an instrument," he told the Plain Dealer. "Ignorance is
bliss."

In 1981, Witser earned his bachelor of music degree and performer's
certificate at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. That same
year, he was a prizewinner in the Munich International Solo Competition. In
1988, he won second prize at the Geneva International Competition for
Musical Performers.

Witser joined the Cleveland Orchestra in 1989. He also played with the
Center City Brass Quintet and other ensembles.

He is survived by his wife, Marta Jasberg; his parents, Robert and Sharon
Witser of Oakland, and a brother, Kenneth Witser.

The L.A. Philharmonic's May 30 concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall will be
dedicated to his memory, and the orchestra will perform a short opening
piece in his honor.

Funeral arrangements are pending.