Maestro Joseph Primavera

April 13, 1926 - October 14, 2006

Joseph Primavera was a violist, trombonist, and conductor, whose fifty-one-year tenure as Music Director of The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra was one of the longest in history, and whose passion for music and dedication to educating young musicians was unmatched. As a young man, he studied viola, trombone, orchestration, and conducting, and became the youngest member of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s viola section. He also played trombone in jazz bands in Atlantic City and conducted the London Philharmonic, Rome Festival Opera, Beijing Opera/Ballet Orchestra, and Opera Barga in Lucca, Italy.

Despite his successful career, his heart was in education. His longtime dream was to see more young musicians from Philadelphia in the youth orchestra, and this vision was what inspired our program. A member of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra for six years, Rachel Segal holds Maestro Primavera as one of the leading forces in her musical life and one of her greatest mentors. Over his tenure with the youth orchestra he shared his love of the classical repertoire, new, American music, and jazz with hundreds of young people, and in addition, showed their audiences what kids are capable of. He took the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra on tour to Europe, South America, China, and the Middle East, showing the members how to travel and not be a tourist.

The legacy he left not just in Philadelphia, but around the world, and his contribution to the lives of the young musicians who had the opportunity to work with him is immeasurable.

Learn more about the Maestro here.