Michael Charles Senturia

Michael Charles Senturia passed away on July 18, 2025. A native of Washington, DC and graduate of Harvard College, conducted the Harvard-Radcliffe orchestra for 3 years, then taught theory and conducted the University Symphony Orchestra at UC Berkeley from 1962-1992. Many of his students now work professionally across the country. In 1968 he founded the Young Musicians Program, which, for forty-five years, provided low-income kids with free music education on the UC Berkeley campus. In 1979 he received the prestigious Distinguished Teaching Award. In the 1980s he was thrice invited to the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing to coach and give lectures. After retiring, he received an MLS degree and enjoyed a second career as a public reference librarian. Mr. Senturia also composed music for various groups, and sang in and conducted Coro d'Amici, an a cappella vocal ensemble. He is survived by his wife, Pauline Ma-Senturia; a brother, Stephen Senturia; three daughters, two step-daughters, and seven grandchildren. No services are planned. For a complete obituary see www.endlesstributes.com.