Gary Corrin, who served as the TSO Principal Librarian for three decades, as well as Director of Programming and Chief Librarian for Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert and Bravissimo!, has died. He passed away in late 2023 of cancer.
In a post commemorating his loss, Attila Glatz Concert Productions, producers of Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert and Bravissimo!, described his devotion to his work.
“Gary had an unwavering commitment to excellence, refusing to take shortcuts, and year after year, he made sure that the markings pencilled in on the music left no room for uncertainties. His diligent work behind the scenes allowed musicians across the continent to focus on simply making magic.”
A Career Behind The Scenes… And Occasionally On Stage
Gary was appointed Principal Librarian of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in January 1992.
His background included librarian positions with the National Symphony in Washington, D.C., the New World Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Denver Symphony, and Eugene (Oregon) Symphony.
Gary is a native of rural California, where his father was a founding member of the Salinas Valley Highlanders, a bagpipe band. He began to play clarinet in grade four, but didn’t get serious about music study until he performed in a summer musical. He continued to study clarinet, but along the way, met Martin Silver, Head Music Librarian at the University of California at Santa Barbara, and his interest was piqued.
He gave a lot of credit to his music teachers for their guidance well beyond the realm of the arts. Even as his career aspirations swerved over to librarian and programmer, he continued to play, and often performed in the orchestra for the annual New Year’s Bravissimo! and Salute to Vienna Concerts.
During his summers, he served as one of the librarians for the Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson, Wyoming.
Gary retired from the TSO in 2022.
May he rest in peace.
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