Blair Tindall was a classical musician who went on to write the memoir, “Mozart in the Jungle,” adapted into a series of the same name for Amazon.
- Died: April 12, 2023 (Who else died on April 12?)
- Details of death: Died in Los Angeles of heart disease at the age of 63.
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Blair Tindall’s legacy
Blair Tindall’s best-known work may be her memoir, “Mozart in the Jungle,” which was adapted as a hit Amazon television show, but she also had a rich career before it. She was a classically trained concert oboist who played for the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s.
Tindall’s music career allowed her to cross many paths. She performed on several film soundtracks, including on the score of “Malcom X.” She also played with Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts (1941–2021), headlined a solo feature at Carnegie Recital Hall that won accolades, and was nominated for a jazz Grammy.
Following her music career, Tindall went into journalism, writing for The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Sydney Morning Herald, and many others. “Mozart in the Jungle,” was published in 2005 to rave reviews. The book was optioned by Amazon Studios, and the resulting show was an instant hit that lasted four seasons and earned several Golden Globe and Emmy Awards.
Notable quote
“With a bad reed, my oboe could be a beastly instrument honking and squeaking as if it had a mind of its own. When my reeds were working, though, I learned that making a sound spoke my emotions more directly than my own voice.”—excerpt from Mozart in the Jungle
Tributes to Blair Tindall
Full obituary: Deadline
