R.I.P. Henry Janiec, Pillar of the Arts in Upcountry SC and Western NC

The great Henry Janiec has died. We use the adjective advisedly, reflecting his manifold accomplishments and his remarkable tenures with numerous arts and academic organizations. He came to NC to direct the Charlotte Opera in the mid-’50s, a decade before he replaced James Christian Pfohl as head of the Brevard Music Center. He led the fortunes of the orchestra in Spartanburg for a third of a century. Along the way he served at the Charlotte Symphony for five seasons and taught at Converse for 42 years. His last significant appearance in NC was with the CSO in 2006, reviewed here. The opera division at the BMC bears his name. A substantial obit is here.