I’ve known a lot of loud people in my time, but I think Michael was the loudest. Loud talking, loud enjoyment, loud conducting, loud music. The high volume was because he was passionate about everything he encountered – food, friends, family, but especially music. I worked with Michael at the Opera Company of Philadelphia (now Opera Philadelphia) for ten years, but sang with him only once. It was in a community chorus that was part of PCPA (now the University of the Arts), and somehow he had gotten a gig for us to sing the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for a gathering linked to the United Nations. On the word “Welt” the sopranos hold a high A for what seems like forever, and I don’t think I’ve ever been part of anything as loud, or as passionate, as that moment. Thanks for the loud and loving memories, Michael. Miriam Lewin Former Fundraiser and Production Manager for the Opera Company of Philadelphia Documentary Video and Audio Producer Lavine Production Group, New York We were just thrilled with choral singing like we never heard it before: with the precision and all those nuances, it was just a combination of music making like we have never experienced. But I think what made Michael special and what distinguished him was that he had a passion, he could take a piece of music and get to the heart of it. And whatever the composer was trying to do, he was able to sense.” Alexis Barron Former Board Member of The Philadelphia Singers Board Vice President of The Bach Festival of Philadelphia (via 1994 Tribute to Michael Korn, First Art Productions) Michael’s work was seminal in advancing the cause for singers and choruses. He was the first to get grants for professional choruses from the National Endowment for the Arts. I believe it was his vision and dedication to excellence in choral singing that has led directly to the flourishing of professional choirs in Philadelphia. Matt Glandorf Artistic Director Choral Arts Philadelphia & The Bach Festival of Philadelphia (via interview with Michael Caruso for Chestnut Hill Local, March 2018) It was the energy Michael brought to every performance that set him apart. Of course, there was his knowledge of the baroque style and the history of the music, but it was his energy that inspired you to give him and the music and the audience your very best. Gregory Cantwell, Baritone The Philadelphia Singers (via interview with Michael Caruso for Chestnut Hill Local, March 2018) Once I asked Michael who his favorite composer was, thinking surely he would say Bach since he conducted so many wonderful concerts of Bach’s great works. But I was wrong. His response was "which ever composer I am conducting." He was totally involved with his music and thoroughly studied a score. He often conducted major works from memory which is a testament to his talent and passion for music. Janice Bryson, Soprano Former Personnel Manager The Philadelphia Singers and Opera Company of Philadelphia Chorus I remember Michael with love, admiration and respect. I loved him for his dedication to the choral art and the proposition that professional singers should be paid for their performances as are other artists. I admired him for the genius that he was as a performer, a conductor and an artistic director. I respected his ability to maintain his high standards throughout the adversities with which all performance arts groups must contend. I miss him. Edith Reinhardt Former Board President and Chairwoman The Philadelphia Singers (via 1994 Tribute to Michael Korn, First Art Productions) Click on the MICHAEL KORN TRIBUTE category to the right of this post to find more materials we have compiled in his memory. Follow #MichaelKorn #MichaelKornTribute on social media and help us spread the word.
Thank you so much for your contributions and support!
7 Comments
7/31/2018 11:01:01 pm
When you chose to be a good person while you are alive, many great memories will be remembered once you're gone. Michael Korn was able to touch a lot of lives, that's why people remember him in a very good way. His music was said to be one of the loudest, but it gives his family and friends the happiness they should get from him. Too bad because we wouldn't be able to hear him song once again, but I am sure he will always be remembered.
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6/6/2023 07:59:30 am
You there, this is really good post here.Thank you for providing a quality article.
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6/22/2023 03:59:11 am
I think he's a great person. Thanks for sharing his life. It is so inspiring!
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8/7/2024 11:40:13 am
I appreciate this share. It's helpful and has broadened my understanding of the topic.
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