As The Florida Orchestra marks its 50th anniversary season, its musicians are now mourning the death of the group's first conductor and musical director.
- Irwin Hoffman passed away March 19 at age 93
- Hoffman musical director from 1968 - 1988
- Weekend concerts will be dedicated to Hoffman
Hoffman was the first conductor of the orchestra when it was known as the Florida Gulf Coast Symphony.
"Irwin was a complex musician, but a very gifted musician," said Lowell Adams, Assistant Principal Cellist with TFO since 1981.
"Maestro Hoffman was a giant in his field," said John DiMura, Double Bassist with TFO since 1978.
He led the group from 1968 to 1988, impacting music and musicians in those twenty years.
"I’d have to say that he was responsible for a lot of my development," said DiMura.
"I had some really outstanding musical moments with him," said Adams.
Hoffman was known for memorizing scores and not using a baton.
"He could really be pretty severe, and I’d say even mean,” said Adams. “So, what that meant as a young musician was I had to toughen up a little bit."
"I was terrified, but we still respected and loved him," said DiMura.
Hoffman leaves a legacy that set the standard for what is now the premier and largest orchestra in Florida.
"There’s a musical quality and an intensity that hasn’t really left," said Adams.
"He was quite a legacy and he won’t be forgotten," said DiMura.
The Florida Orchestra will dedicate this weekend’s concerts, entitled "A Little Night Music," to Hoffman. For tickets, visit The Florida Orchestra online.