Statement on the passing of Honorary Board member
Rosalyn G. Rosenthal
March 22, 2024
for immediate release
The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra is saddened to hear of the passing of Honorary Board Member, Rosalyn G. Rosenthal. Mrs. Rosenthal was a fierce advocate for music education and supported numerous projects at the FWYO, including performances at Cook Children's Medical Center, collaborations with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and updates to the FWYO’s Orchestra Hall.
“Roz was always kind and generous to the FWYO, our young musicians, my family, and all others,” said FWYO Music Director Dr. Germán Gutiérrez. “We have lost a great friend of the arts in Fort Worth and will miss her in the audience.”
This past December, Dr. Germán Gutiérrez and the Youth Orchestra once again performed “Hanukkah,” an original composition dedicated to Roz Rosenthal written by Dr. Gutiérrez’ son, Nico Gutiérrez during the FWYO’s 50th season. In a recent letter recalling the premiere in 2014, Roz wrote she was “overwhelmed” by the original performance and that she wanted “ALL to know just how much the Youth Orchestra means to me.”
“Roz has been an incredible force for music education in Fort Worth,” said FWYO Executive Director Andrew Reynolds. “We are saddened to hear of her passing and our deepest condolences go to her family and the many thousands of people and institutions that have been touched by her leadership and kindness.”
In addition to awarding Roz a permanent Honorary Board position, the FWYO, with the help of many local supporters, recently opened the Rosalyn and Manny Rosenthal Symphonic Experience Fund, which has since provided hundreds of FWYO students and families the opportunity to see concerts of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra free-of-charge. The fund and collaboration aim to continue to inspire the next generation of Fort Worth musicians for years to come.
“Roz was the most generous person I've ever known,” said acting Board President Eddie Lesok. “She would always start any meeting by saying ‘I've been blessed’ and proceed to be just as giving with her time, careful thoughts, and connections with people and institutions across Fort Worth as she was philanthropically. She was a great friend to our students, faculty and board, and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and all who knew her.”
The FWYO will be performing a series of free public performances at Sundance Square Plaza this Saturday, March 23. The top Youth Orchestra conducted by Dr. Germán Gutiérrez will begin at 6:45 PM and dedicate a performance of Edward Elgar’s “Nimrod” from Enigma Variations to Rosalyn Rosenthal as part of their concert. Other FWYO groups will perform beginning at 6PM and following the Youth Orchestra until 9PM. A light jacket and chair are recommended.