ERICH KUNZEL

I noted with sadness the passing of Erich Kunzel, God rest his soul. Mr. Kunzel lost his battle with cancer last Tuesday.

He is known by most as the conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra which performed to large crowds on the lawn in front of the U.S. Capitol and to TV audiences every Memorial Day and 4th of July. To Cincinnati area residents and music fans around the world, he was the conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Our Pops Orchestra performed in Europe as well as Asia and were great ambassadors for the city.

Kunzel was the resident conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra from 1965 until 1977 when the Pops Orchestra was formed under his leadership. Early on, he performed free concerts in various Hamilton County parks. We always attended the performances at Sharon Woods Park with family and friends. How well I remember blankets spread on the grass with beer, wine and snacks in a cooler. He filled starlit summer nights with wonderful music. We had great times at those events.