The Richmond Symphony Remembers the Late Dr. James Erb

The Richmond Symphony, its Board of Directors, Musicians, Chorus and Staff are saddened to learn of the passing of James Erb, founder and former director of the Richmond Symphony Chorus, and life-long friend to the organization. Erb organized the all-volunteer Richmond Symphony Chorus in 1971 for a performance of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, under guest conductor Robert Shaw. For 36 years, Erb continued to direct and build the Chorus to reflect the Symphony's high standards. He will be deeply missed by the RSO family as it reflects on his immeasurable positive impact on the Symphony, the Chorus and their ability to present world-class performances in Richmond and beyond. A testament to his lasting legacy is the Richmond Symphony Foundation's James Erb Choral Chair endowment fund of $400,000 that supports its Choral Director position in perpetuity.

The following are words of remembrance from RSO leaders past and present:

Dr. Erin Freeman, James Erb Director of the Richmond Symphony Chorus says "Jim Erb had a profound impact on my life, the lives of the singers with whom he worked, and the lives of those around the world who sang his compositions. I first knew of him in high school, when I, like thousands across the country, sang his "Shenandoah." The honesty of the piece combined with the demands it required reflect Jim's approach to music: sing it correctly, sing it with beauty, and sing it with excellence. One of the final pieces he prepared with the Richmond Symphony Chorus was the Brahms Requiem. I distinctly remember sitting in the audience, poised to take over the legacy that he created, in awe and fear of the task at hand. Since then, however, I have learned that Jim, through his attention to detail, determination, and musical integrity, set up his legacy in such a way that, as the final movement of the Brahms' says: he may now rest from his labors, as his work will follow after him."

Richmond Symphony Music Director Steven Smith remembers James Erb "Jim Erb had already stepped down from his position as RSO Chorus Director when I arrived as Music Director. However early in my tenure I was delighted that Jim was singing in the chorus. His love for the collegiality of the chorus, his wealth of experience and sincere and deep commitment to every moment of the music was truly inspiring. His legacy, not just here in Richmond but in the wider world of music will always be remembered with profound love and respect."

Richmond Symphony Executive Director David J.L. Fisk states "I had the pleasure of meeting Jim Erb soon after I became Executive Director and was immediately taken by his fierce passion and consummate musicianship. It was a privilege to be able to work with him for five years through his retirement in 2007, and to be able to appreciate all that he had done to build the Richmond Symphony Chorus to a level of quality that is quite extraordinary. Jim could be very amusing, and there are countless anecdotes about him to be retold, but one of my proud moments here was, as an accompanist, to be praised by Jim: he was, above all else, a musician, whose good opinion one wanted to earn and to keep. We will miss him very much, but his legacy in Richmond and his reputation in the field of American choral music will live on forever."

Former RSO Music Director Mark Russell Smith (1999-2009) says "It was indeed an honor to have known Jim Erb, and I count the many collaborations with Jim and the incredible chorus he created among my most cherished artistic memories of my tenure in Richmond. He was a man of great passion and integrity, and brought every ounce of his being to bringing music to life for both his chorus and his audience. We are all richer musicians and human beings for having had the privilege of working with Jim."

Former RSO Music Director George Manahan (1986-1998) remembers Dr. Erb "The Richmond Symphony was blessed to have the charismatic leadership of my friend and colleague Jim Erb for so many years. We performed some of the most challenging choral masterpieces in the repertory, including Bernstein, Walton, Messiaen, Brahms, and Verdi among others. Never did I think there was a work too tough for the symphony chorus with Jim at the helm. I will miss him."

Former RSO Music Director Jacques Houtmann (1971-1986) says "What a great man, a great musician he was; I will never forget how he was able to generate such an energy in order to convince the Richmond Symphony Chorus to give the best in the vast repertoire he was

involved in. We worked in May 1986 for the last time: Bruckner's Te Deum!! We will keep loving you Jim."

Barbara Baker, Richmond Symphony Chorus Manager states "Jim marveled that he was paid to do what he most loved, teaching large and small choral works to his University of Richmond students and directing the Richmond Symphony Chorus. His enthusiasm and passion were infectious, and his rehearsals could be unexpectedly thrilling when the sound met his expectation of what the music required. He was both an inspiring leader and a kind person."

A few words of wisdom and favorite quotes from Dr. James Erb to the Richmond Symphony and its Chorus:

"Choral singing is as close to being a human being as anything in life."

"Abandonment of final consonants is something people ought to go to jail for."

"Sing into the phrase and beyond into the silence that is part of the phrase."

About the Richmond Symphony

Founded in 1957, the Richmond Symphony is the largest performing arts organization in Central Virginia. The organization includes an orchestra of more than 70 professional musicians, the 150-voice Richmond Symphony Chorus and more than 250 students in the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra programs. Each season, more than 250,000 members of the community enjoy concerts, radio broadcasts, and educational outreach programs. The Richmond Symphony is partially funded by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photo Courtesy of the Richmond Times

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