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 George SHANGROW 5-13-51 to 7-31-10 Classical musician, conductor, radio host, pianist, harpsichordist, lecturer, founder and director of Seattle Chamber Singers and Orchestra Seattle. Faculty member, Seattle Conservatory of Music; music director, University Christian Church. George was a dynamic force in Seattle's musical life. On stage, on the air, and every day, he dazzled and inspired others with his talent and passion for music. Born and raised in Seattle, George attended Roosevelt High School and the University of Washington. He studied conducting with Samuel Krachmalnick and harpsichord with Sylvia Kind. He founded the Seattle Chamber Singers in 1969 and added the Broadway Chamber Symphony, later known as Orchestra Seattle, in 1979. Around them grew a community of enthusiasts, known to some as "the Georgians." Through 41 seasons, the OS/SCS sang and played many styles of music, from madrigals to Beethoven to James Bond. George produced stunning renditions of rarely performed Handel oratorios and Bach's St. Matthew and St. John Passions. He also premiered works by composers such as Huntley Beyer, Robert Kechley, Carol Sams, Murl Allen Sanders and Roupen Shakarian. George's greatest love was the baroque and especially Bach. His annual performances of "The Messiah" were Seattle favorites and he began a local tradition of "Messiah" sing-alongs. In honor of Bach's 300th birthday in 1985, the OS/SCS performed 36 cantatas and all of the major orchestral/choral works. They toured Europe several times, accompanied the Independence Day fireworks at Lake Union, and presented three-day music marathons for Valentine's Day. George not only brought out the best work of singers and musicians but made it fun to rehearse and perform. He was a guest conductor with several orchestras, including the Seattle Symphony and Sapporo (Japan) Symphony. He taught at Seattle University and Seattle Central Community College; directed the Pacific Chamber Opera and for many years was music director at University Unitarian Church. He lectured and performed at the Women's University Club and the Ladies Musical Club, and on cruise ships visiting Antarctica and the Panama Canal. In addition to conducting, George played piano and harpsichord, solo and in several chamber music groups, most notably with flutist Jeffrey Cohan. He appeared in several chamber music festivals and recorded soundtrack music for films such as "Mr. Holland's Opus." He performed in Canada, England, France, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Austria, as well as in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, and Washington D.C. In the 1970s George hosted programs at KRAB-FM. Later he joined KING FM for 16 years and became its most popular host. His nightly "Live, By George" program drew attention to Northwest musicians through interviews and live in-studio performances. KING's decision not to renew George's contract in 2004 provoked a wave of protests from angry listeners. The music community celebrated George's career in "Shangrow-mania," a tribute concert at Town Hall Seattle in February 2004. George was an accomplished cook and a connoisseur of food and wine. He loved to travel, especially to Mexico and to Europe, where he organized and led numerous group tours. He knew many of the best restaurants on at least two continents. George was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Reba Shangrow and his brother Michael. His family includes daughter Daisy Shangrow; stepsons Zachary and Luke Wheeler; brother Robert Shangrow; sisters Reba Utevsky and Mary Schimmelbusch; his friend Nancy Dilworth; and his former partners Julie Reed, mother of Daisy, and Rebecca Parker. A memorial service will be held at University Christian Church, 4731 - 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle, on Sunday, August 22, at 2:00 p.m., with reception to follow. Friends and family are establishing a trust fund for Daisy Shangrow's education. For information, please write to shangrowbenefit@earthlink.net.
Published in The Seattle Times on August 8, 2010
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