SLSO celebrates contributions of retiring musicians

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) is celebrating the contributions of three long-time musicians who retired during or at the conclusion of the 2018/2019 season.

Announced on Tuesday, the three musicians being celebrated are Anne Fagerburg on cello, Morris Jacob on viola, and Donald Marton on double bass.

“We are so very grateful for all that these musicians have shared with us and the St. Louis region through their extraordinary tenures with this orchestra,” Marie-Hélène Bernard, president and CEO of SLSO, said.

Fagerburg joined SLSO in 1980 after receiving her bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and her master’s degree and performer’s certificate from the Eastman School of Music. Hired by Leonard Slatkin, Fagerburg was a member of the cello section for 39 seasons.

Before joining the SLSO team, Fagerburg toured the United States as a member of the Carmel Quartet and the Ellicott Piano Trio. Locally, she is part of the Ilex Trio.

According to SLSO, Fagerburg was instrumental in the creation of the orchestra’s Equal Play concert, an annual program of chamber works by women composers.

Anne Fagerburg (photo courtesy of St. Louis Symphony Orchestra)

Jacob has been a member of SLSO since 1981 after receiving his musical training at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He earned his bachelor’s degree in violin in 1975 and his master’s degree in violin/viola in 1977. Additionally, he studied violin with David Cerone and viola with Robert Vernon.

Also hired by Slatkin, Jacob was a member of the viola section for 38 years. Before joining the SLSO team, he spent four years as the associate principal viola for the Columbus Symphony in Ohio.

During his time in St. Louis, Jacob has been active playing chamber music as well as appearing as a soloist with the St. Louis Symphony Chamber Orchestra and the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Morris Jacob (photo courtesy of St. Louis Symphony Orchestra)

Martin retired from SLSO during the 2018/2019 on December 31, 2018. He began his musical career at age seven, studying piano and then the violin. At age 12, he began studying double bass.

Hired by then-music director Eleazar De Carvalho in 1968, he played on the opening night concert of Powell Hall. His 56-year career with SLSO has given him the opportunity to serve on numerous committees and play under six music directors.

During his time with SLSO, Martin was active in chamber music performance including 18 years with the Rarely Performed Music Group. Martin’s musical life has also seen him performing jazz with various groups.

Donald Martin (photo courtesy of St. Louis Symphony Orchestra)

“Each has left a meaningful impact on the SLSO and this community,” Bernard said. “We thank them for that.”

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