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GEORGE SHANGROW Obituary

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 [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Aug. 8, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Christine Howell Jacobson

August 2, 2022

I was a musician in the Broadway Chamber Orchestra for about 5 years and had the honor of getting to know George. I loved him...not only for his incredible talent but because of his wonderful sense of humor and his kindness. While I have witnessed the temperamental personalities of many conductors, I never saw that in George. He made rehearsals fun! And every time I hear a great Bach work, I think of George. He WAS Bach, in my mind! (And if you believe in reincarnation, that may not be far off! He was THAT talented.) I came back to Seattle in 2016 and was looking forward to seeing George again after 26 years. Imagine my horror when I learned he was no longer with us. It still brings tears to my eyes. And yet every time I rock to Bach, I remember George. He lives on! Thank you, George, for touching our lives in such a beautiful way.

Christine Howell Jacobson

December 23, 2021

Every so often it hits me, especially when I listen to Bach, that George is not here anymore...and my heart breaks. He was a great musician and humanitarian. I will never forget him.

John Amaral

August 3, 2020

Saw and heard my best friend perform with George and am grateful.

pat mcdonald

August 2, 2020

so good to have known George. Great memories of my visits to Seattle!

John Morgan Morgan

March 29, 2020

With deep gratitude for the incomparable contribution George made to the performance , direction,and inspiration, as he offered Baroque Music to appreciative audiences ,who were further entertained and enlightened by informative,often humorous commentary .

Julia Akoury Thiel

August 23, 2010

I offer all my sympathy and love to George's wonderful family...

There are so many words, and yet there are no words. A million loving words to describe the genius of George, his joy, his passion, his humor, his quirks, his devotion to the people and music he loved. But there are no words to adequately describe the pain of losing him.

If you didn't know George, it might be difficult to fathom why so many people are so very sad... As painful as it is, I am grateful to be someone who understands what the world has lost.

George's talent, joy and sense of humor will live on in his beloved Daisy, and all of us who made music with him will gratefully carry him and the music in our hearts.

So much gorgeous music, so many wonderful memories... George, you'll always be missed and never forgotten.

Richard Engstrom

August 22, 2010

True sympathy is extended to George's family members and so many close friends. I knew George from his early 20's of his brilliant music career and his legacy of so many he influenced. I had the good fortune of participating in 2 of his Live By George programs. I co-produced "An Evening In Vienna" for then Eastside Concerts and George coordinated the large string ensemble that played all the music. It was pure magic with such talented singers and musicians back in the early 80's.
His acumen for music was a true gift to so many NW audiences and friends.
Daughter, Daisy played in my PAFE Music Festival with her terrific dad accompanying. So many memories of such a talented friend who is already missed by this music colleague.

john amaral

August 21, 2010

I'm grateful to George Shangrow. His conducting of my friend Carol Sams' The Earthmakers was a high point of my life.

Cathy Aldrich

August 21, 2010

My condolences to the family ... though it has been many years fond memories remain. Some souls enter our hearts never to leave, no matter how brief the encounters on the calendar of time, no matter how distant in years. So it is thus, neighbors and classmates once upon a time, now forever in my heart. You, the world at large, have suffered a great loss, my deepest sympathy is given.

Nancy Buckley

August 12, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this wonderful musician. Our son sang with the SCS during his high school years and benefited greatly from his musicianship, humor, and passion for his craft. He will be greatly missed.

Lee Duckles

August 12, 2010

I was deeply saddened to learn of George's death. I had the privilege to perform with him during the 80's at the Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival and to collaborate again last year at the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival. His enthusiasm for music was without equal and his humor infectious. A wonderful and talented human being, he will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to friends and family.

Pat McDonald

August 11, 2010

I was priveleged to know George through my visits to Seattle. My son sang in his great choir whilst workig in Seattle. He was, without doubt, one of the people I have most enjoyed knowing. His warmth, talent and energy have deeply enriched my family. From England, his presence was, and is felt. Such a gift to the world.

Anne Gordon-Richardson

August 10, 2010

What a great soul to bless us with his enormous talents and largess. So glad I spent time with George at Univ Unitarian, and came to know his expansive personality. George enlarged your being in his presence, and some could not accomodate this. Truly our world has lost a rare being too soon. Condolences to family and fans.

Julia Wilder-Barnes

August 9, 2010

Dear George, you never knew how much I adored your music as a child at the University Unitarian Church - your enthusiasm in music was magic to my ears. My favorite of all was your work with the choir, singing "Master's in this Hall" on Christmas Eve and then of course Bethoven's Moonlight Sonata, which I have never reached the grace you had - Blessed be your travels and peace to your family and friends who remain behind. Julia (Russell) Wilder-Barnes

Elizabeth Visco

August 9, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Nancy Dilworth

August 9, 2010

You were a bright light in my life. You will be forever missed and loved. Nancy

Rachel Pritchett

August 8, 2010

Dear Reba,

This is a friend from far in the past, the former Rachel Moen, now Pritchett. Mrs. Syers stuck us up in the attic to practice at Fairview.

I wanted to say how sorry I am for the loss of your oldest brother. I remember all the weekends I spent at your house, and always him at the piano.

Because I live in Kitsap County, I most enjoyed your brother's radio program. Always something interesting and a highlight.

I hope you get through this difficult period, and know that someone over here has thought of you often over these many years, and am so glad we once knew each other and benefited.

Love,

Rachel

August 8, 2010

My condolences to the family and friends of George Shangrow.
In some ways, he was like a marvelous party host, taking old composer friends and putting them together in new and unusual combinations. There were times he would select an obscure work for a concert, and I would wonder why until one phrase was reached, and then the fireworks would start. In his cordial interaction with fellow musicians, you saw the funny, warm, generous ability at work. He made learning about all aspects of music great fun. -- a fan

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