As the first Black musician to perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra violinist Booker Rowe made history in 1968, first breaking barriers when he joined the ensemble as a substitute violinist during the 1968–1969 season. Violist Renard Edwards was the first Black musician explicitly hired for a regular, full-time contract ahead of the 1970–1971 season, but shortly after, Maestro Eugene Ormandy also hired Booker Rowe for a full-time position. Rowe would become a permanent, tenured member in 1971, whose legacy included nearly 50 years in the second violin section. He remained a cherished fixture of the orchestra until his retirement in 2020.
Here is the statement released by the orchestra:
It is with great sadness that The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts has learned of the passing of former violinist Booker Rowe.
In 1968, Booker Rowe made history as the first Black musician to play in the ensemble. After performing with the Orchestra as a substitute musician, Eugene Ormandy hired him for a full-time position in 1970, and he became a full-time member of the ensemble in 1971, the Orchestra’s second Black musician. For almost 50 years, until his retirement in 2020, Booker was a well-loved member of the second violin section. He will be greatly missed; our sympathies go out to his family and friends.
On Monday afternoon's Classical Music with Foley Schuler, we'll enjoy some of the many recordings by the Philadelphia Orchestra, that feature the playing of this path-breaking violinist, who both helped to move the color line in classical music, and also to define the famed "Philadelphia Sound."
