OMUS HIRSHBEIN

I'm so sad to hear about Omus' death. I was a young singer hired by him at the 92nd St Y and he was very kind to me. I liked him, and I loved the interesting and intelligent programming he did. A man with such a wonderful energy and smile.

We are so sorry to hear about Omus. He was the nicest person we ever met. You could not meet Omus without feeling better about your day. Our condolences to Jessie and his sons and grandchildren. Sal and Mary Ann LaCarrubba

I can only repeat what some others have said. This is a very sad day. We lived on 105th and west End when Hillel and Peretz attended Hebrew School. Our daughter, Ilana was a classmate. Omus regularly took her home during the week. We had some very good and intense conversations during our time at the SAJ. I always thought of him as amensch.

THE DEAREST MAN;GREAT LOVER OF MUSIC;FRIEND OF COMPOSERS,PERFORMERS ALIKE.

I want to send my deepest condolences to you, Omus' family. Many years ago, at Juilliard, where I taught French, and then at Hunter, where I also taught, I had occasion to work with Omus. Under his watch the Comédie frqnçaise came to NY and performed at Hunter, and I brought my class. He was a prince of a man, and I am sad to learn of his passing on.

Thanks to everyone who has offered their remembrances of my father, Omus. I've created a site to remember him called rememberingomus.info - Jessica would love to see your kind words there!

Thank you,

Peretz Hirshbein

Dear Jessica,
Although it's been many years since we were together, I feel Omus's loss deeply. I not only loved him--and you--but I feel honored to have known him. He will live in all our hearts,

Jessie,

Although we never spent enough time together, Judy and I loved Omus very much. I remember feeling sad when my mother and I saw the Hirshbeins drive away from Washington Heights on their way to California. Omus had been a frequent playmate. I'm sure that everyone who knew Omus feels as I do that we lost a truly unique and wonderful friend.

Our deepest condolences to you and to Peretz and Hillel. Let's try to keep in touch,

Love,

Judy & Vic

Dear Jessica:
I was so sad to read of Omus' passing in the Times. What memories we share, not only in the music world, but the time we spent in East Hampton as well. My heartfelt condolences to you and the family.