We seem to be in a very sad patch of late. Word has reached us of the death yesterday (9/2) of Hiram Black, 85, an operations manager (and much, much more) for the NC Symphony whose service began in the late Swalin era, long before the orchestra relocated from cramped quarters in Chapel Hill to then-expansive digs in the basement of Raleigh’s Memorial Auditorium. There’s a memorial page on Facebook, and more information will be shared here as it becomes available. Meanwhile our sympathies go out to Hiram’s family and his numerous friends in the NCS and the greater music community.
Funeral services in Matthews, on 9/10, will be private. The family advises that a memorial service in the Raleigh area will be held later with details t.b.a.*
The formal obit is here.
*The NCS has announced that the November 11, 2016, “Friday Favorites” performance will be dedicated to Hiram’s memory. The orchestra writes: “We are coordinating arrangements with Hiram’s daughters and will be communicating this occasion to local and statewide audiences and friends who may wish to join us for the concert and a post-concert reception.” Info on the event itself is here.
