Many San Gabriel Valley Musicians Recall Ernst Katz, Conductor, California Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra who Died Tueday
Ernst Katz died of natural causes Tuesday, Aug 11 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at age 97. Katz formed the California Jr. Philharmonic in 1937 and conducted the youth orchestra almost until his death. Over the years, Katz has received accolades for his patient, kindly but demanding demeanor toward young people to whom he offered weekly lessons in ensemble orchestra playing, comportment, dress—and fun.
During the late 1970′s between 80 and 100 “serious” young musicians would be delivered to Fairfax High School’s auditorium for the two hour rehearsal by their parents. The trek from the San Gabriel Valley through downtown Los Angeles to the Fairfax District each week was the price paid: Katz never made any charge for participation in the orchestra nor did he ever ask or even hint at funds. He funded the operation out of his own pocket.
Many of his orchestra members from that era went on to become professional musicians and music educators. Katz often spoke of Kurt Russell who played in the orchestra. Bassist Tom Peters was a member. Red Hot Chili Peppers Michael “Flea” Balzary was an alum. Going back to 1949, Jorge Mester, now conductor of the Pasadena Symphony, was a member.
His gentle, but persuasive, ways brought out celebrities to conduct the orchestra. Meredith Willson returned to conduct many times. Other guest conductors included Richard Pryor, Tom Hatton, Richard Sherman, Robert Sherman.
Katz was musically instructive, but firm. One of his favorites was to stop the orchestra in a particularly sloppy ending when, usually the strings, would not play a note together as the score required. He would stop. Pause. Lift his head and declare: “It’s not a broken chord!” No sound from the youths in the orchestra nor from the dozens of parents in the audience. He didn’t kid. But, on the other hand, he was light-hearted and pleasant. A wonderful man.
His nephew, Gary S. Greene reports that he will continue serving the youth of the area and keep the California Jr. Philharmonic going. Greene, as an adult, performed with the orchestra as its concertmaster.
A tribute concert is planned. Memorial donations should be sent to Friends of the California Jr. Philharmonic, Community Foundation, 445 S. Figueroa St., Suite 3400, Los Angeles, CA 90071-1638.
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