Hello Colleagues, It is with great sadness that I inform you that Professor Jonathan Kramer passed away last week. The Columbia University Orchestra has lost a member of its family. Professor Kramer led all but a few of our Pre-Concert lectures from the year 2001 until his death. His wisdom, energy, preparation, knowledge, charm and brilliance will never be forgotten. In addition to contributing to the CUO concert experience, he played a pivotal role in overseeing our ensemble's growth and success through his mature advice, knowledge of the repertoire, and musical experience. As recently as April 4th, Professor Kramer led a brilliant lecture on the Mahler, Symphony #1. His insightful and thoughtful knowledge of this work, was surely felt by every member in the audience. Specifically my players, many of whom attended the lecture, in spite of my insistence that they be fully warmed up and ready to play this epic masterpiece. I am very glad that my students ignored my request. Their performance was a testament to his knowledge and musicality, for they played this piece with an intellectual rigor that I can only assume came from his insightful ideas. I would like to dedicate the Fall 2004 concert to Professor Kramer. He helped me select this program:      Samuel Barber–Adagio for Strings      Bela Bartok–Concerto for Orchestra Please join me in prayer for Deborah Bradley and the rest of family. Jonathan will always be remembered. With a heavy heart, JM June, 2004