Joseph Eger

Joseph Eger
Durham
Joseph Eger (1920 - 2013) An Air Force Veteran of World War II and graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Joseph Eger was principal hornist for the New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles and National Symphony Orchestras before re-emerging as a world-renowned conductor and social activist. Founder and conductor of the Symphony for United Nations, he conducted many of the major orchestras of the world, and was named Guest Conductor for Life by the Chinese government. He toured worldwide as a solo concert artist, and was hailed by the New York Times as one of the greatest French horn players alive. Eger believed passionately in music as a force for peaceful world transformation, and produced and conducted numerous innovative events, including 12 concerts at Carnegie Hall that combined symphonic and rock music for the first time; a concert at Lincoln Center with John Lennon and Yoko Ono; and a breakthrough symphony/rock/jazz concert at Harlem's famed Apollo Theater. Maestro Eger taught master classes at the Aspen Institute, the Peabody Conservatory, the New School for Social Research, the University of Pennsylvania, University of North Carolina, and Florida Atlantic University. More recently, he conducted a youth orchestra at Durham's School of the Arts. He is the author of two books: Einstein's Violin: A Conductor's Notes on Music, Physics, and Social Change, published in 2005; and Music and Revolution: From Beethoven to Einstein to the 99%, completed just one week before his death. In it he wrote, "I hope my book will help all of you to organize a better society for your children, grandchildren, and all the children of the world."
Joe leaves behind his dedicated and loving wife, Dorita Beh-Eger, an extended family, and countless disciples and friends. Memorial gifts may be directed to Greenpeace Fund Inc., or to the Music Department, Durham School of the Arts, 400 N Duke St., 27701.
Calling Hours: Monday, Jan. 14, 2-4 and 7-8:30 p.m., Clements Funeral Service, 1105 Broad St., Durham.
The family is being assisted in Durham by Clements Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be made at www.clementsfuneralservice.com.