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JONATHAN STRASSER Obituary
The Board of Directors of the InterSchool Orchestras of New York and its Founder, Annabelle Prager, note with deep sorrow the passing of ISO Music Director Emeritus Jonathan Strasser and extend sincere condolences to his husband Romir Antonio Robles, his family and friends. A gifted and inspiring teacher and conductor, he was beloved by his students, colleagues and friends. Mr. Strasser joined the ISO in 1979 as its music director, embarking on an outreach program in New York City public schools to fill a critical void in arts education. Under his leadership of nearly 30 years, the ISO thrived, growing to include a full symphony, a training orchestra, one intermediate and two beginner orchestras, and a symphonic band. Mr. Strasser conducted many notable performances with ISO, featuring performers including cellist Janos Starker, Dance Theater of Harlem, James Earl Jones, and the McDermott Trio. Under his guidance, an entire generation has been inspired to become teachers, coaches, performers and music lovers. Barbara Tracy, Chair and Karen Geer, Executive Director
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Memories and Condolences
for JONATHAN STRASSER
Sponsored by Alison Shaiman.
Randy Braun
March 8, 2025
Mr. Strasser was bewildered by my obsession with rock and jazz. He thought they were simplistic at best, and not worthy of a true musician. Nonetheless, he indulged me and many others at Performing Arts high school, and made us all better musicians because he was willing to let us explore our individual muse. He was a great conductor, artist, and teacher, and knew how to get the best out of his students. He is missed dearly and often. RIP, Mr. "S."
Alison Shaiman
March 8, 2025
I can't believe it's been 8 years. I wonder what you'd think of today's goings-on...actually I *do* know, lol. You do let me know every so often that you're there - and I always smile! Happy Heavenly Anniversary, JS! <3
Alison
June 3, 2024
Happy birthday, JS - 78, wow! Thinking back to my PA audition! Seems like yesterday. MISS YOU.
Alison
March 13, 2023
I'm a little tardy posting here, but that doesn't mean I'm not thinking of you, J! Quite the contrary, I had actually been thinking about you quite a bit leading up to your 6th anniversary (which I cannot believe it was). Boy, I miss those times with you back when. Sending hugs to you up there!
Alison Shaiman
June 3, 2022
Happy 76th, JS! Never forgotten. Plus, my brother just did an interview where he gave you major props.
We miss you, but know you are never too far away.
Alison Shaiman
March 15, 2022
I'm a little late on this, but I wanted to make sure this got here, never forgotten.
3/8/2022 - I can't believe it's 5 years. We are hanging on down here, but the world could use a big dose of YOU right now!
You are so, so missed and thought of always.
Alison Shaiman
June 1, 2021
Well, we're coming up on JS's 75th birthday...wanted to make sure this got posted. For some reason my 3/8 4th anniversary post never got put on for this year.
What a year. I talk to him all the time, and know I get signs he's musing over all this (a piece of music, seeing something, a thought popping into my head, even just a feeling). He was just getting used to video conferencing technology from a few years before. I can only imagine his reaction to the state of the arts and all the brave people trying to just hold on! He'd be the first one back on the podium and getting people going.
Richard Spector
August 18, 2020
Mr. Strasser, PA was the most enriching experience of my life because of you. You were the best teacher I ever had. You gave me the gift of loving opera and all classical music. You brought out the best in me, and would never let me take the easy way out. I am so grateful for that. You taught with love, passion, strength and commitment. I'll always remember you and your great sense of humor too. Heaven is making more beautiful music because of you and Conrad.
Michiko Kissinger
July 12, 2020
I was thinking about Mr. Strasser today and the kind words he said to me decades ago when I played in the All-City Orchestra. I had to look him up to see if I could tell him thank you. I was saddened to learn that his obituary came up and he had passed over three years ago.
I wasnt a very good player. After failing the audition the first year, the second year I made it, and he noticed and commented that I worked hard since the previous year. He took time and talked to me, not through or over me, and that was a light that penetrated the dimness in my life at that time. He was a very kind soul.
Mr. Strassers cheerful, musical, caring, and honest voice, reflective of his heart, is what I remember. And that will live on. Thank you, Mr. Strasser, for being you.
Alison Shaiman
June 3, 2020
JS would have been 74 today. He is so sorely missed.
David Miller, Horn
David Miller
January 5, 2020
To my dear conductor, teacher, mentor and friend, thank you, on behalf of David and Leo Miller
Alexander Pliskin
July 27, 2019
Jonathan,
I think about you all of the time. Strange since we only talked sparingly over the last few years before you passed. When we did connect it was always with good stories with life's hits and misses. I miss your wit, your humor, and most all your passion for life and everything associated with reaping the rewards of hard work in music and in life. Your music and teaching really inspired me. When certain music comes on the radio I immediately think of you. Certain composers and pieces were brought to life by you. Wagner, Liszt, and especially Rossini. You taught me so much and I can never be truly thankful for the knowledge you have given me. Thank you and I hope the music is playing loudly up in the heavens where you are as I know you are enjoying riding the air with the Valkeries. -Peace and love, Alex Pliskin
Alison Shaiman
June 3, 2019
Happy 73rd, JS! Never forget!
Alison Shaiman
March 8, 2019
Your second year in the symphony of the heavens.
Miss you, think of and talk to you all the time. I imagine you talking to my dad, and with who else you might be having great discussions of music and events of the day.
Thank you for watching over us, always!
Evgenia Zilberberg
January 16, 2019
Just found out today my beloved first conductor and my mentor in this country has passed away. I was talking about him today, remembering so many funny moments. He was a truly honorable man. I owe my present to him. Thank you so much for being there for me my favorite person, Jonathan Strasser!
Alison Shaiman
June 2, 2018
June 3rd, your 72nd birthday, my friend. So funny, a lot of the pieces I played for you were on my radio today!
I hope to be your first chair again in the celestial symphony.
Love and miss you.
Anita Walker
April 5, 2018
My condolences to the family. Thank you Mr. Strasser for believing in me as a 5th grader in 1980 with ISO, through my years with you at ISO and making it to first chair, first violin by 1983-84 and believing in me in my first year of high school at LaGuardia. You will forever be in my soul. You were a master teacher, mentor and friend and you will be truly missed.
Alison Shaiman
March 8, 2018
I can't believe it's been a year. Maybe it will snow like crazy this time now every year - I think it's our collective energy mourning your passing.
Celebrating you today and every day.
A C
August 10, 2017
You can say I didn't exactly have the best childhood but Jonathan Strasser was a like a second father to me. He always gave us something to talk about everyday because he was the complete package, an angel basically sent down to New York City to enrich our lives with music and his humanity. Thank you for believing in me Mr. Strasser-it was a truly wonderful gift and I will always cherish it.
Alison
June 2, 2017
Happy birthday for tomorrow, JS. Always remember.
Antoinette Palladino
May 30, 2017
With deep sadness to your family, I only only learned of your passing at the tenth annual Memorial Concert at Greenwood Cemetery with the ISO from your protege, Brian Worsdale, as the Conductor. You will be missed forever, but, your enthusiasm and passion for teaching classical music to your students and the inspiration to follow in their respective musical careers is your legacy! You are irreplaceable! Antoinette Palladino
Ann Frederking
March 17, 2017
I knew Jonathan (and Conrad) when I was in high school and attended the New York State Music Camp for several years and when I returned a few years later as a counsellor, he was still there as well. Over the years we fell out of touch until I found him on Facebook a few years ago and renewed the friendship. I had always hoped we would manage to meet again in person. My sincere condolences to his close friends and family.
Addie (Adriane) Alexander (Scherer)
March 12, 2017
We grew up together at 1150 Pelham Parkway South in The Bronx. He and Conrad were fun loving playmates when they weren't practicing. They had a Bassett hound named Trina. His Dad made my first pearl ring and a beautiful bracelet filled with gems. His Mom was my piano teacher for five years. We became reacquainted many many years later when my husband and I began seeing him conduct the symphony orchestra at MSM. I am so happy he found love. No one from that building was easy Ramir. We were raised not to be easy. RIP sweet friend.
Pearl Lau
March 12, 2017
A fabulous man, a great teacher to my daughter. He was like a second dad to her. JS left us way too soon.
Lewis Goodman
March 11, 2017
My condolences to Conrad, my junior high school classmate.
Mrs. B.
March 11, 2017
I express my sincere condolences. May the many fond memories created through the years bring you comfort. Psalms 94:22
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