The violinist was a long-time member of the Philadelphia Orchestra and one of its first Black musicians, having retired in 2020 after nearly 50 years
The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly have jointly announced the death of US violinist Booker Rowe. He was the first Black musician to perform with the ensemble, later becoming a full-time member in 1971. He was appointed as full-time member of the the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1970, the orchestra’s second Black musician, and continued to perform in it until his retirement in 2020.
Born in Philadelphia himself, Rowe was a graduate of Temple University and Yale University. He was the recipient of awards including the National Distinguished American Award, the Camerata Award of Excellence, the City of Philadelphia Citation, the Igor Stravinsky Award and the Henry B. Cabot Award.
In addition to the Philadelphia ensembles, Rowe performed with the Nashville, New Haven and Washington National symphony orchestras, as well as with the Nashville Symphony and Symphony of the New World string quartets, the Huntingdon Trio and Philadelphia’s Society for Ancient Instruments.
He taught at institutions including the Wesleyan and Tennessee State universities, the Settlement Music School and the Community College of Philadelphia.
The news was announced in a post on social media:
‘It is with great sadness that The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts have learned of the passing of former violinist Booker Rowe… He will be greatly missed; our sympathies go out to his family and friends.’
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