The San Francisco Symphony has reported the death of its former bass player Charles Burrell who became the first African American member in a leading American orchestra.
Burrell played five years in the SF Symphony before leavibng for the Denver Symphony, where he performed until his retirement in 1999.
The Colorado (former Denver) Symphony adds:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Charles Burrell, a towering figure in American music, a Colorado icon, and longtime bassist with the Colorado Symphony/Denver Symphony Orchestra.
Dubbed the “Jackie Robinson of Classical Music,” he broke barriers in 1949 as the first African American to sign a full-time contract with a major American symphony orchestra, opening doors that had long been closed. His courage, artistry, and trailblazing spirit forever changed the face of classical music.
Charlie’s legacy echoes through every note we play and will forever resonate in Denver and beyond.
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