Steven
Witser dies at 48; L.A. Philharmonic's principal trombonist.
Before
joining the L.A. Philharmonic in 2007, Witser was assistant principal
trombonist and acting principal trombonist of the Cleveland Orchestra.
"The
shock of Steve's sudden and unexpected death has robbed us of
one of our most beloved and respected musicians," Deborah
Borda, president and chief executive of the Los Angeles Philharmonic,
said in a statement. "He was not only a wonderful player,
but a great friend and colleague and very active in the organization.
He will be deeply missed."
Witser
joined the Philharmonic as principal trombonist in September 2007.
Before that he was assistant principal trombonist and acting principal
trombonist of the Cleveland Orchestra.
A
native of Oakland, Witser was born Aug. 22, 1960.
In
an interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper some years
ago, Witser said his mother wanted him to play an instrument but
not trumpet, which his brother had already taken up. Witser said
he thought of playing drums until the fourth grade, when he found
himself with a trombone.
"Everyone
picked up an instrument," he told the Plain Dealer. "Ignorance
is bliss."
In
1981, Witser earned his bachelor of music degree and performer's
certificate at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.
That same year, he was a prizewinner in the Munich International
Solo Competition. In 1988, he won second prize at the Geneva International
Competition for Musical Performers.
Witser
joined the Cleveland Orchestra in 1989. He also played with the
Center City Brass Quintet and other ensembles.
He
is survived by his wife, Marta Jasberg; his parents, Robert and
Sharon Witser of Oakland, and a brother, Kenneth Witser.
