Sea Breezes, Grandkids, Old Cars & Flatter Abs
By Michael Kurth
The ASO will be saying farewell to four of its longest-serving members this season, as Principal Horn Brice Andrus and violinists Frank Walton, Carol Ramírez and David Braitberg retire after a staggering combined 191 years of service.
Andrus joined the ASO in 1967, while “failing Pre-Med at Georgia State.” Walton joined that same year, after auditioning for Robert Shaw “in a very cold music store in New York City.” Ramírez moved from Boston to join the ASO in 1974. Braitberg followed in 1977, surprising himself by winning his very first major orchestra audition. Asked about what made their first few seasons memorable, Walton remembers sharing performance space at the old City Auditorium with pro wrestling, and Andrus recalls rehearsing in the Braves’ locker room. Braitberg’s post concert routine found him jamming with blues and jazz artists at local clubs. “Atlanta was quite a party paradise in the late seventies,” he adds. Ramírez values most her years of performing under the baton of Robert Shaw.
Any fond recollections of more recent seasons?
All said they cherish memories of touring Europe in 1988 and 1991. “The performance of Beethoven’s Ninth in East Berlin was something I’ll never forget,” says Walton. “The Wall was still up.” Braitberg adds, “It felt slightly dangerous.” Walton also shared special memories of playing at President Carter’s inauguration, and the 1996 Olympic and Paralympic Games. And Ramírez recalls “the Mahler 2nd Symphony recording under Maestro Levi stands out in particular as my husband and fellow ASO violinist Juan loaned the Orchestra his Salamanca Cathedral Bells. The ASO truck backed in our driveway, whisked them out of our backyard and had them hanging on stage that day! Hearing them in the performance and recording was very special.”
And how do they plan to spend their retirement?
Ramírez plans on performing chamber music and teaching privately, as well as spending time with her children and grandchildren. Walton plans on finding “a quieter place, with a sea breeze and an active arts community.” Braitberg looks forward to fishing, travel, cooking, and antique vehicle restoration (which may include rescuing his 19-year-old daughter from check-engine-lights). And Andrus, ever-ambitious, will work on “getting a six-pack, not drinking one.”
The entire ASO community congratulates these stellar musicians on their decades of music-making. We are deeply grateful for their contributions to our Orchestra and our city, and we wish them every happiness as they take a final bow, shrug off their formal concert attire, and embark on new adventures.
