Ann Hobson Pilot, principal harpist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is retiring this year. The Boston area harpists are having an event for Ann on March 29, 2009 at Symphony Hall. For details and more information, contact Judy Saiki (617)536 4337.

In addition, a special Tribute Luncheon is being planned by the Coalition of Harpists of African Descent (CHAD) to honor Ms. Pilot on Sunday, October 4, 2009 in Boston, MA. Please check back for details or send an email to harpcoalition@musician.org if you would like to be notified of updates concerning this event.

In an e-conversation with Ms. Pilot, Khymn Autumn, founder of CHAD, asked if news of her retirement was true. Ann had this to say, "It is true that I will be retiring as a member of the BSO after the Tanglewood, 2009 season. I no longer enjoy Boston winters and I wanted to retire while I was still at the 'top of my game.' The exciting news is that John Williams has written a harp concerto-type piece to honor my retirement and I will be premiering it with the BSO for the opening of Symphony Hall on September 23, the opening of Carnegie Hall on Oct. 1, and then back in Boston on Oct. 3 to perform the Williams' piece, Elliot Carter's Mosiac and the Debussy Danses in a concert specifically designed to honor me. I don't know of any other retiring member who has received such an honor so I am extremely flattered. I have also been invited back to South Africa to perform with 3 orchestras there, probably in November. I plan to play the Williams and maybe the Debussy. My husband and I will basically be retired to Sarasota, Fl. but I will continue teaching at NEC and BU (at least for the short term) and we will continue to go to Stockbridge for the summers."

Original Content Source: annhobsonpilot.webs.com.