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Peter Simenauer Obituary

Peter Simenauer Naples, FL

The world has lost a great musician. Peter Simenauer, former Associate Principal Clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic for 38 years, passed away on September 14, 2013 in Naples, FL.

A child prodigy, Peter excelled at many instruments, including the violin, viola, and saxophone. Born in Berlin, Germany, Peter grew up in China and then went on to join the Israel Philharmonic for nine years.

As a young artist, he won the Mozarteum Competition and concertized worldwide before joining the New York Philharmonic in 1960. His recording of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto with the Pascal String Quartet has continued to sell for over 50 years.

His loving family survives him.

Donations in memory of Peter may be made to the Peter Simenauer Music Fund c/o Chabad Naples, 1789 Mandarin Road, Naples, FL 34102.

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

Published by Naples Daily News on Sep. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Simenauer

23 Entries

Bruce and Natalie Baff

September 16, 2021

We still miss Peter and Jackie. When we see watch the NY Philharmonic, the memories are poignant. Peter was kind-hearted and easy-going, a pleasure to be with.

Jacqueline Simenauer

October 22, 2014

In Memory of my Beloved Husband

Peter Simenauer

Together Forever

Margie Shameer

October 22, 2013

Because we lived so far from each other I haven't seen much of my dear brother, Peter, in the past 12 years. However, I often thought and still think of him with great affection. After all, we were children together with our sister, Judy, and there are so many memories of our early years that are still so sharp in my mind. Peter and I used to laugh a lot together about all kinds of silly things, even when we were already grown up. I wish we had had the opportunity to spend more time together in the past few years because I think we would have enjoyed sharing the memories of our youth and of our parents through the eyes of adults. So, Peter, now I will have to do this alone, though I will be thinking of you as I go over the album of our life and reminisce with pride about the handsome, good-natured, and talented musician whom so many knew as Peter Simenauer.

Natalie and Bruce Baff

October 14, 2013

Dear Jackie,

We have wonderful memories of you and Peter. Peter was always a gentleman, handsome, naturally charming and so unassuming. We so enjoyed the many concerts we attended, seeing Peter play that clarinet so beautifully. We remember the small chamber music rehearsals in your home and other people's homes, the many NY Philharmonic concerts in Lincoln Center and in Central Park. The sounds that Peter created were so sweet and clear. Peter's talent was truly exceptional. We treasure the friendship we shared.

Jackie Simenauer

October 13, 2013

Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight.

Phil O'Connor

October 9, 2013

Mr. Simenauer was my teacher at the Manhattan School of Music for one year, before he retired. He was a wonderful artist, calming influence, a gentleman of the finest caliber, and a fantastic teacher. He will be sorely missed by us all.

Les Scott

October 6, 2013

I can only echo what others have said about Peter: he was an artist of the clarinet, a gentlemanly colleague and an icon of the music world. Some of the most thrilling musical moments of my playing life were as a guest in that legendary NY Phil clarinet section of Stanley, Mike, Peter and Steve. I will miss him but never forget him.

October 4, 2013

Steve and I knew Peter for over 50 years and will always have the memories of him as an absolutely superb, unforgettable Eb player and musician, and then also of his wonderful spirit, warmth, wit, playfulness, and twinkly smile. And good looks. So enjoyed seeing both of you in Naples in Feb. 2009. All are wonderful memories for us all to hold onto.

Out thoughts are with you,
Judy Kalin Freeman

October 3, 2013

Having sat next to Peter for more than 30 years in the NY Philharmonic, I consider myself an expert on his superb abilities as a clarinetist. It was a great time to be in the Philharmonic's clarinet section and Peter was a very big part of that. Our sincere condolences to Jackie and family.

-Steve Freeman

October 2, 2013

Dear Jackie and family,

We were very saddened to hear of Peter's passing. We treasure the wonderful memories of our friendship with you and Peter in Montclair. Peter was a class act in every way and we miss him.

Love,
Natalie and Bruce Baff

gladys markowitz

October 2, 2013

Such a great loss. Peter was such a great talent, unassuming, sweet, handsome and kind.He gave his all to his music, his students, and the love of his life, Jacqueline. He will be sorely missed, but remembered.

October 1, 2013

My condolences to Mr. Simenauer family and friends. He seemed to have impacted many lives and for that he will never be forgotten. May all the many fond memories be of comfort to you and may God's promises(John11:25,26) give you hope during your time of grief.

September 27, 2013

The world has lost a great musician and a sensitive, wonderful artist. We cherish the memories of the wonderful times spent with our dear friends Peter and Jackie and hearing Peter play the clarinet countless times at the New York Philharmonic. Peter was a warm and caring person,who will be missed by all who knew him.

Naomi V. and Bernard R.

.

Shawn Buck

September 25, 2013

He was my beloved teacher while I was studying at the Manhattan school of music. I've never met a more brilliant clarinetist. The world has lost a great artist.

Alan Cox

September 25, 2013

I subbed quite a bit in the NY Phil flute section for a number of years & found Peter to be a wonderful colleague, always helpful& caring. What a great musician! He will be missed. Sincere condolences.

David Blumberg

September 25, 2013

Peter was a fantastic player! I own one of his spare Clarinets, it is wonderful. His Mozart Quintet album was great.
He will be missed, and my condolences to his family.

September 24, 2013

I really enjoyed getting to know Peter and his wife here in Naples, Florida

Jere Douglas

September 23, 2013

Memories. Rest in Peace Peter and thank you for the decades of inspiration.

Mike Getzin

September 23, 2013

I studied with Peter Simenauer as I was doing my Graduate work Manhattan School Music in 1969 and admired his incredible playing especially Eb Clarinet. He will be never forgotten for the impact he had on me artistically and the love of the musical art.

Mike Getzin

stanley and naomi drucker

September 23, 2013

a lifetime of memories as colleagues in the new york philharmonic.peter was superb.our clarinet section was
the greatist!!! naomi and i send our heartfelt condolences.

Mitchell Estrin

September 22, 2013

The world has lost a great musician and a great gentleman. Peter was a phenomenal clarinetist and the greatest artist on the E-flat clarinet I ever heard. He was also a wonderful colleague and a magnificent ensemble player. He was a sensitive person with a marvelous sense of humor. My sincere condolences to his family. I will never forget him.

September 22, 2013

Dear Mummie, Judy and Jackie,

We are so sorry about Peter's death. We will always remember him with great fondness. We will tell our children about their great uncle.

Love,
Sherry and Ken

September 22, 2013

He was a great musician and will be sorely missed.

Sherry Shameer Cohen & Family

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