News Summary
Charles Wadsworth, a pivotal figure in chamber music and founder of the Spoleto Festival USA’s chamber music series, passed away at the age of 96. His contributions to the genre and the promotion of emerging artists are celebrated and will be remembered by many. Current director Paul Wiancko honored Wadsworth’s legacy during a performance dedicated to him, highlighting the profound impact he had on the chamber music community over his illustrious career.
New York City – Charles Wadsworth, a seminal figure in the world of chamber music and the founding artistic director of the chamber music series for Spoleto Festival USA, passed away on Thursday at the age of 96. Wadsworth’s death was confirmed in an official release from the festival, marking the loss of a renowned musician whose impact on chamber music has been profound.
Paul Wiancko, the current director of chamber music at Spoleto Festival USA, honored Wadsworth’s memory by dedicating a performance of Franz Schubert’s “Piano Trio No. 2” to him. Wiancko emphasized that without Wadsworth’s vision and dedication, the festival’s chamber music series may not have existed, noting his exceptional ability to connect artists with the audience and foster a welcoming atmosphere.
Wadsworth initiated the chamber music series during the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto, Italy, in 1960, before establishing the Spoleto counterpart in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1977. Over a span of 50 years, he played a crucial role in shaping the identity of the chamber music festivals in both locations, retiring from Spoleto Festival USA in 2009. His vision transformed twice-daily concerts into a festival staple, drawing in crowds at the Dock Street Theatre.
Additionally, Wadsworth was the founding artistic director of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center from 1969 to 1989, contributing significantly to the organization’s establishment and growth. He was instrumental in commissioning more than 65 new works from notable composers, including Pierre Boulez, Samuel Barber, and Leonard Bernstein, enriching the chamber music repertoire and advancing the art form.
A native of rural Georgia, Wadsworth began his musical education at the University of Georgia and continued his studies at The Juilliard School. His talent caught the attention of composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who invited him to develop a chamber music concert series for the Italian festival when Wadsworth was just 30 years old. This opportunity set the stage for his illustrious career in chamber music.
Throughout his career, Wadsworth played a pivotal role in advancing the careers of many emerging artists, including celebrated musicians such as Richard Goode, Yo-Yo Ma, and famed soprano Jessye Norman. His illustrious career also included performing at the White House, where he entertained several U.S. Presidents, from John F. Kennedy to Ronald Reagan.
In recognition of his contributions to the field of music, Wadsworth received numerous honorary degrees and accolades, including prestigious awards from France and Italy, New York City’s Handel Medallion, and the Order of the Palmetto. In 2012, he was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame, celebrating his vast influence and achievements.
Wadsworth is remembered not only for his musical talents but also for his dedication to fostering a love for chamber music among audiences. He is survived by his wife, Susan, three children—Rebecca, Beryl, and David—and several grandchildren.
A funeral service for Wadsworth is scheduled for 11 a.m. on June 1 at the Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York City, where family, friends, and admirers plan to pay their respects to a man who changed the landscape of chamber music and left a lasting legacy.
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- Charleston City Paper
- Wikipedia: Charles Wadsworth
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Charles Wadsworth chamber music
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chamber Music
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- Google News: Charles Wadsworth obituary
