Remembering Darthea Redding Kerr, who worked for Baltimore and National symphony orchestras
Darthea Redding Kerr, who died last week from cancer at the age of 61, was a valued member of the administrative staffs of our region's two major orchestras. Her obituary ran in Monday's Sun. She served for several years as assistant personnel manager at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (her surname was Olander then).
She went on to serve as executive assistant to the National Symphony Orchestra's music director Leonard Slatkin (she left that post when he took the helm of the Detroit Symphony a few years ago).
Dottie, as she was widely known, was prized in both organizations for her warmth and dedication, and her death has no doubt affected many people.
From an outsider's perspective, I can attest to Dottie's charm. I especially enjoyed seeing her whenever I stopped by the NSO to do an interview with her boss. On one occasion, she took me aside and said something that gave me a particular lift (no, I can't tell divulge it). I'll always enjoy that memory.
Comments
Dottie was a wonderful, vibrant, beautiful person. I knew for many years in choral groups and in accompanying her lovely silvery voice. She loved working with musicians and understood our manifold idiosyncracies. She will be missed - may she rest in peace.
Posted by: James Harp | August 22, 2011 4:02 PM
Dottie was a wonderful friend and devoted colleague. She provided support, laughter and joy to all around her. Her passing is a true loss.
Posted by: Jeremy Rothman | August 24, 2011 6:28 PM
Dottie and I went to Arnold Elementary and Severna Park High School together. She was a wonderful, caring person with a beautiful voice. A huge loss to all who knew her.
Posted by: Ted Dietz | September 22, 2011 11:09 AM