Posted by Brian Frederiksen on July 02, 1999 at 19:40:05:
In Reply to: which year? posted by Tim C on July 02, 1999 at 09:35:36:
In September of 1988, Mr Jacobs played the opening concerts of the season and was presented with the Theodore Thomas Medallion by Sir Georg. On the way off the stage, Solti had his arm around Jacobs talking to him. I later asked Mr Jacobs what he said. Solti basically said "I hope this gives you energy to complete the season." At that time no replacement was found. By that time, Mr Jacobs' eyesight was getting worse and he declined.
When Gene won the audition, he was in the St Louis Symphony and completed the season there. His start time may have been September of 89.
On the cover of the June 8, 1999 Chicago Sun Times is a picture of Gene with Aaron Dodd. Aaron is a street musician who plays in front of Orchestra Hall on his tuba. Well, the horn was beat up and Gene and the trombone section took up a collection and bought him a new (used) tuba with help from Wayne Tenabe at the Brass Bow. There is another photo on the June 20, 1999 Chicago Tribune with Aaron and his new horn.
For many years, Mr Jacobs knew Aaron and even brought him up to the studio for lessons. Yes, in Chicago there are Jacobs students playing on the street. Orchestra Hall has two tubists, the one who plays inside and the one who plays outside. When you go to Orchestra Hall, remember to tip Aaron a buck but make him play the Meistersinger. Yes, he knows it!