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JOHANNES SOMARY Obituary

SOMARY--Johannes, conductor, composer, organist, teacher and friend. The board of directors of the Amor Artis Chorus and Orchestra, on behalf of our members and musical collaborators, notes with deep sorrow the passing of our founder and brilliant music director for 50 years. In countless performances and more than 50 recordings, in sacred music and secular, Hannes was both innovator and careful steward of tradition. With skill, scholarship, humor, love and an inexhaustible, contagious enthusiasm, he brought joy and inspiration to thousands. "Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine". Services will be at The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, Park Ave. at 84th St. on Saturday, February 5, at noon. The Board of Directors of Amor Artis, Inc

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Published by New York Times on Feb. 3, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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John C Saunders

August 17, 2011

My memory is full of many scenes of learning/making music with Johannes. It was a great shock to learn of his passing, for no one was more alive in beauty, friendship, and faith than he was. My condolences to his family, and to all of us.

February 9, 2011

He could get such an eighteen-century sound out of an orchestra; he conducted my favorite Royal Fireworks by Handel. JOHN WATTS, Malibu

CLAUDE SPRINGER

February 7, 2011

As a member of the Great Neck Choral Society I mourn for the loss of Johannes-a wonderful and in inspiring conductor of skill and warmth. Claude Springer

Donald Kass

February 6, 2011

He will be sorely missed. Due to his pioneering recordings, we
got introduced to many of the oratorios of Handel for the first time.
He enriched my musical life considerably although he doesn't
seem to have received full recognition for his achievement.

Jane Campbell

February 6, 2011

Johannes Somary has been a singular presence in my religious and music life for the past 37 years. I am not a professional, but his gifts were of such a nature,,, in demand of excellence and loving of craft ...that to forget him and his giving to us is unimaginable. Did I mention his profound humility? Thank you, dear Johannes., may you rest in the Music of Christ.

Jane Campbell, parishioner of the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Lionel Leventhal

February 5, 2011

Our family sends our condolences to the Somary family. It was a beautiful service today.

Sigmund Rosen

February 4, 2011

Never had the honor, as did many friends, to sing with him but enjoyed his gracious self after concerts, his passing a shock, and his humanity irreplaceable.

Steve Drimmer

February 3, 2011

Johannes was a true friend to my family. I remember when he first came to Horace Mann about 1960 when I was a student. I played for him both at Horace Mann and at Amor Artis at his Park Ave So. Chruch. Johannes wrote chamber music for my wedding in 1967. We even played golf together - and that was a totally amazing experience. My brother Eric was the accompanist for the Horace Mann Glee Club for several years. He was a true friend, generous and kind, a truly wonderful man and a major talent. We will miss him terribly.

February 3, 2011

We are all deeply saddened to hear of Johannes' passing. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. May all of his many talents and accomplishments and all your cherished loving memories bring you all much comfort during this time of loss. We will always remember him as the elegant gentleman he always was. Much love, the PMR family (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center - Riverdale )

charlotte& robert rosenberg

February 3, 2011

Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Somary family. Johannes was a brilliant conductor and teacher. His Hannesisms will live in our hearts and memories forever.

Edward Ryan

February 3, 2011

A great teacher and a wonderful and special soul.

Lorraine

February 3, 2011

I had the privilege of singing under Mr. Somary's baton many times as a professional chorister. He was brilliant, inspirational and amazing and an ardent advocate of the choral field. He will be missed.
Lorraine C. Nanko, Director, Parkchester Chorus, NY

David Usdan

February 3, 2011

Hannes was the most inspiring teacher I've ever had. He had such passion for music and connected with the experience in such a way that has encouraged me to continue singing for many years.

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