Steven Witser, L.A. Philharmonic principal trombonist, dies suddenly

Culture Monster is saddened to learn that Steven Witser, the principal trombonist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, died of a heart attack Monday night. He was 48.

Witser was scheduled to perform in tonight's Chamber Music concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The concert will go forward, but the orchestra will not perform the final piece, Stravinsky's "Octet," in which Witser was scheduled to play.

The orchestra will dedicate Thursday's concert in memory of Witser, according to a spokeswoman for the Philharmonic. A short opening piece (still to be determined) will be performed in his honor.

Witser joined the L.A. Phil as principal trombonist at the beginning of the 2007-2008 season. He had previously served as acting principal trombonist of the Cleveland Orchestra, which he joined in 1989.

The Oakland, Calif., native has taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music and other institutions. He was also a member of Center City Brass Quintet.

--David Ng

Read The Times' obituary.

Photo: Steven Witser. Credit: Mathew Imaging.

Comments

[ts]

We lost one of the best yesterday

[Carol Lee Iott, Orchestra Personnel Manager, The Cleveland Orchestra]

Words cannot express our sorrow. He was a great musican and colleague, and a friend to all. He will be missed.

[Connie Omelsky and family]

There are no words to express the devastating loss of this man who had such a sweet sound and a sweet soul. We three are so happy to have known him and his wife.

[Jay Szabo]

Steve was a gifted musician. As a regular patron of my flower shop in Cleveland Heights, what I remember most fondly about Steve was his love of conversation and his welcoming manner. He possessed a rare combination of artistic talent and humanity.

[Donald Green, Principal Trumpet, Los Angeles Philharmonic]

Seeing Steve when I got to work ( or sometimes on the freeway on his motorcycle on my way to work) and having him sitting behind me in the orchestra just made the whole day go better. I can't believe he's gone. He had such a joyous attitude and we had so much fun before during and after rehearsals and concerts. Words are inadequate to express my deep sorrow.

[Thomas Klaber]

The quality I admired most in Steve was his courage. I never saw him show any fear on stage, no matter what he was playing. This courage helped keep our Orchestra playing through some challenging times. I will miss my friend and colleague more than I can say.

[Kerik]

Steve was one of my best friends in junior high and high school where we played in many bands together. His natural talent always stood head and shoulders above the rest of us. He was a nice guy, had a great sense of humor and we had many great times together, laughing and getting into trouble. Finding out about his untimely death was a shock and I am deeply saddened by the loss of this good man and gifted musician. My sincere condolences to his family and close friends. Sometimes life just makes no sense... Goodbye Steve, my memories of you will always bring a smile to my face.

[Eric Davidson]

I loved Steve. He was a senior when I was a freshman at Eastman. He always took the time to hang out with underclassmen and was obviously highly regarded musically. He was a lot of fun and brought joy to many. Although we lost touch, Steve was one of those unforgettable people that you are lucky to have had in your life. I will miss him dearly.

[Rod Pyle]

I had known Steve properly for about 2 weeks. While I've been related to the LA Phil one way or another since birth, I only met him as we were shooting a video for Esa-Pekka's retirement party. Steve was one of those people you just liked instantly; liked a lot. Fun, smart, at the same time brash and polite. He was just a luminous guy. We had a lot of fun putting his creative ideas on the screen, and for that, not to mention his strong spirit and beautiful playing, he will be missed beyond description . My heart goes out to Marta, his wonderful wife.

[Robert Sullivan]

Steve was instantly a friend to everyone who met him. He was the best friend I had when I needed one most. The warmth of his spirit will stay with me for the rest of my days.

[Burkhard Fischer]

I just found out about Steve's untimely death and I am still under shock. We first met in 1978 when our youth orchestras, his from Oakland and mine from Germany, enjoyed a joint summer session in Germany. We spent several weeks together and became good friends. 2 years later I visited him in Oakland and Rochester and in 1981 we spent the summer together in Germany, when he was preparing for his successful participation in the Munich music competition. We always kept in touch. It is so sad to see such a wonderful man leave this world so early. My heart goes out to Marta and to Sharon, Robert and Ken.

[Lesley Newhart]

I went to school with Steve in Oakland starting in the first grade. I vividly remember his first solo performance at our elementary school when he played "Rhapsody in Blue." We were either ten or eleven years-old. He did this from memory, and I can still see how his hand held the slide. In fact, our music teacher thought Steve was a bit too casual with his hand. He was only relaxed and in his element--like one driving with an arm on the window sill, and a hand at the top of the steering wheel. I have never forgetten his quick smile and easy laugh. So very sorry to read about his death.

[Tom Pylinski]

Steve had a profound impact on my life and career and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He was unique; he lived his life to the fullest and it affected all of us who knew him. We were part of his family.

[Stephen Omelsky]

Steve showed me how to put the horn together in the summer of 94, when I was 10 years old. Originally planing to hand me over to a great teacher after a few months, he decided to keep me as his student since he thought I showed some promise. He was wonderful. He taught me from the very beginning how to really enjoy playing the trombone. I learned so much just from listening to him play, week after week. When I reached high school he got much more serious with me and set very high goals for me, which I was able to reach. He was my motivator and inspiration. Most importantly, he taught me how to open up my heart to making beautiful music on the trombone.
While I was in college we kept in close contact and I returned for lessons often. He was a second father to me. He called me his "trombone son". He was and still is one of the most profound blessings in my life.
The world really has lost one of the best trombonists out there. This man was special in many different was. To say he will be missed is not nearly enough.

[Dominic Powell]

What a loss! When I studied trombone with Ray Premru at Oberlin, Steve Witser was one of the teachers that contributed to keeping the trombone studio afloat after the loss of Ray to esophageal cancer complications. Although I never studied with Steve, every student I knew who did loved studying with him. He was an inspiration to many aspiring trombonists, and there is no doubt his legacy of recordings will demonstrate greatness for a long time to come. Thank you, Steve!

[Erik hoffman]

I could not believe the news, the shock still lingers. As your parents told me the news all of the memories came flooding back. I never told you how much I admired you and looked up to you as you taught me how to be a better trombone player. You made everything look so easy, and effortless. You never shyed away from any music, just tackeled it head on. I only wish I could have had half the talent you had.
I will never forget the time we spent learning how to play, the music we enjoyed, and most of all your great attitude and smiling face. I will really miss you. Erik

[Wayne Bjerregaard]

I was fortunate enough to hear Steve Witser performing with Cleveland back in the '90s. It was clear that he put his heart and soul into his work. What a huge role model loss to our youth who are aspiring to be professional trombonists.

[Dan Stofan]

Personable, up front, easy to know, that was Steve. I just knew him briefly when I sat in with the phoenix symphony way back when. From the second I met Steve I knew I had a friend, he so easily connected with people. His talent level was as such that news of his successes in Cleveland and Los Angeles just seemed expected. One knew it was coming. Sympathies to his wife and family and to his friends, for a friend is something he definitely knew how to be.