The 2007-2008 Arizona Opera season is winding down, and after Saturday evening's Arizona Opera performance of "La Traviata," the Maestro, musicians and opera administrators gathered to wish a fond farewell to comrade Keith Johnson. After 33 years as Principal Horn, Keith has decided to move on and enjoy his retirement.
A post-performance party gave all the opportunity to express gratitude. After generous remarks about the musicianship and professionalism of the orchestra in general, Maestro Joel Revzen for example, offered fond words of appreciation to Keith Johnson, acknowledging Keith's long record of outstanding service.
A spontaneous and prolonged round of applause followed.
Last spring, Keith retired from his post as a professor at the University of Arizona, a post he held since the Fall of 1975. Before coming to Tucson, he taught in colleges and universities in Texas, Indiana, and Florida, as well as public schools in California and Minnesota.
His professional performance experience has included work in symphony orchestras, recording studios, opera productions, and brass and wind chamber music. In addition, he has performed solo recitals and given master classes and clinics throughout the country.
As principal horn with Arizona Opera, Keith has been performing in the opera orchestra since its very early days. While we will sorely miss Keith, his sage presence and his solid musicianship, all of us wish him the very best in his retirement.
3 comments:
Keith - it has been an honor and a pleasure to play in your horn section over the past dozen years. Now kick back, relax and enjoy your retirement. Please stay in touch.
Keith--Congratulations on 33 seasons (!) and best wishes. Don't relax too much, keep the teaching going, we need more horn players in Arizona.
Professor Johnson! Congratulations on your retirement from the AOO. Sorry I missed your UA retirement also. You must be really tired! (lol).
It's hard to believe my teacher since the 70s is not there in a position of command any more. Thank you for all you taught me, your help in getting into UA, and the the many opportunities you made available for me to perform. The solid background you gave me allowed me to succeed for many years - I miss that life very much. And your patience with my quirks was commendable, in retrospect.
You helped me get a position with the AOO way back in the 70s - my first experience in opera orchestra work.
I thoroughly enjoyed playing in your Horn section in the TSO as well way back then. You were always solid and a great section leader.
May you enjoy your retirement and the many accolades you are receiving - well deserved!
Post a Comment