SIDNEY HARTH

HARTH
SIDNEY
Sidney Harth died peacefully, February 15, 2011 in Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was 85 years old and was born on October 5, 1925. His death was due to respiratory complications. He married fellow musician and classmate Teresa Testa and they moved to New York City to pursue their musical studies and careers. The Harth's had two children, Laura and Robert both of whom became professionals in music production and art administration. Teresa Harth passed away in February 2010. He is survived by his daughter music producer Laura Harth Rodriguez, son-in-law Francisco J. Rodriguez and grandson Alexander Harth Rodriguez. His son Robert J. Harth who was CEO of Carnegie Hall in New York passed away in January 2004. Mr. Harth, one of the great conductors and violinists of our time, was director of orchestral activities at the Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University. He attained international recognition when he became the first American to receive the Laureate Prize in Poland's Wieniawski Violin Competition in 1957. Mr. Harth's orchestral experience includes service as concertmaster of the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestras, concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and concertmaster of the Louisville Symphony Orchestra, where he was also assistant conductor. His solo engagements have led him to perform with the major symphony orchestras of North America, Europe, South America, Russia, China, and Israel. In tandem with his solo engagements, Maestro Harth had an active career as a conductor. His numerous appointments included associate conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic; music director of the Jerusalem and Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestras, the Northwest Chamber Orchestra of Seattle, and principal conductor of the Natal Symphony Orchestra in Durban, South Africa. Sidney Harth's distinguished academic career was marked by his appointment as the Andrew W. Mellon Permanent Professor of Music at Carnegie Mellon University, where he also served as head of the music department. He enjoyed a 17-year tenure as professor of violin at Yale University and directed the conducting programs at Mannes College of Music in New York, University of Texas in Houston, and the Hartt College of Music at the University of Connecticut in Hartford. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 18, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at The Homewood Cemetery Chapel, 1599 South Dallas Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15217. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Harth Violin Scholarship fund at the Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282. Arrangements by RAPP FUNERAL HOME 412-241-5415.
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