Category Archives: In Memoriam/Final Notes

Roberto Cani

Final Note: Roberto Cani

Member. Violin
10/17/1967 – 4/9/2025

World-Renowned Violinist and Artist

Roberto Cani, an internationally acclaimed violinist whose artistry and dedication to music inspired audiences across the globe, passed away on April 9, 2025. Known for his extraordinary talent and devotion to the violin, Roberto leaves behind a legacy of beautiful artistry and a deep passion for music. Continue reading

Ray Kelley

Final Note: Ray Kelley

Life Member. Cello
2/26/1938 – 3/4/2025

by Daniel Kelley

Ray Kelley had the cello career any musician would covet: a member of the Utah Symphony, Dallas Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, followed by decades of nonstop studio work during a golden era for records, jingles, live TV and motion pictures. But I would rather write about who he was. Continue reading

Final Note: Edgardo Simone

Life Member. Composer
7/1/1952 – 4/25/2024

by Adriana Zoppo

Friend and colleague Edgardo Simone has died at the age of 71 from complications of a brain hemorrhage. Though he played the bass, his gift and talent was in orchestration. A high school dropout, he earned two Masters Degrees within nine months from the University of Oregon, which named him a Distinguished Alumnus in 2007. Both Eastman School of Music and Harvard University offered him scholarships to pursue a Doctorate, but he decided to try Hollywood instead. Continue reading

Final Note: Joel B. Lish

Life Member. Viola/Conductor
3/11/1935 – 3/5/2024

Violist Joel Lish graduated from Verdugo Hills High School when he was just 16. He enrolled in the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and then later enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his last two years in the Air Force Joel was stationed in Okinawa. At the request of some of the local musicians he started a small group of string players and taught himself to conduct. Many years later Joel was quite surprised to learn that after he left Okinawa in 1957 this group continued and eventually evolved into the Okinawa Symphony, and that Joel is considered the founder of that orchestra! Continue reading