The Spectacular Legacy of Erich Kunzel
Originally aired Sunday, September 13, 2009
Re-Broadcast Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 7:30

90.9 WGUC celebrates the life and music of Erich Kunzel with a two-hour special.

Naomi Lewin hosts The Spectacular Legacy of Erich Kunzel, remembering the man who founded the Cincinnati Pops, saw the group through dozens of recordings, and left behind a legacy of musical entertainment and showmanship that will never be duplicated.

The program includes favorite selections from the Pops interspersed with reminiscences from some of Maestro Kunzel’s favorite collaborators including Doc Sevrinsen, Dave Brubeck, Michael Feinstein, and Frederica von Stade, as well as members of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.

Maestro Kunzel, who lost his battle with cancer September 1, 2009, especially wanted the music of the Cincinnati Pops to continue to air after his death, so this special will be made available to other public radio stations around the country.

Cincinnati Pops to Present Memorial Concert for Erich Kunzel October 19 at Music Hall

Friday, September 12, 2009
The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra announced details for the memorial concert celebrating the remarkable life of the Orchestra’s founder Erich Kunzel, who died September 1 after a four-month battle with cancer. The concert will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 19 at historic Music Hall. This will be a free, ticketed event featuring three of Maestro Kunzel’s protégés on the conducting podium, Cincinnati Pops Associate Conductor and New York Pops Music Director Steven Reineke, Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Assistant Conductor Vince Lee. Additional conductors taking the podium to honor Maestro Kunzel are CSO Music Director Paavo Järvi and May Festival Director of Choruses Robert Porco.

Musical guests joining the Pops for the memorial concert include celebrated mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, the May Festival Chorus and students from the School for the Creative and Performing Arts. It will be an evening of great music and fond remembrances of Maestro Kunzel, including a video tribute put together by CET. Students from SCPA will also perform in the lobby before the concert.

“In the final weeks of Erich’s life, he and I discussed a memorial concert and he provided a clear vision,” said Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra President Trey Devey. “We are putting together a very special evening honoring this great American icon and our dear friend.”

Saturday, September 12, 2009
Cincinnati Pops Orchestra members, city leaders, School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) representatives, and devoted Pops fans gathered for the unveiling of the new "Erich Kunzel Way" street sign, honoring the legendary Cincinnati Pops Founder Conductor Emeritus who died September 1 after a four-month battle with cancer. The community event took place outside of Music Hall at the corner of Elm and 14th Streets prior to the scheduled Cincinnati Pops concert. Special guests for the ceremony included the honorable Mayor Mark Mallory, Councilmember Roxanne Qualls, SCPA Principal Dr. Jonathon Futch, along with musical performances by SCPA students.

In recognition of Maestro Kunzel's monumental achievements, the Cincinnati City Council unanimously voted last Wednesday to add the name "Erich Kunzel Way" to the stretch of Elm Street between Central Parkway and 14th Street, bridging Maestro Kunzel's true passions - the Orchestra's home at Music Hall and the new School for the Creative and Performing Arts.