RANDALL CRAIG FLEISCHER – BardavonPresents

RANDALL CRAIG FLEISCHER (1958 – 2020)

The Bardavon/HVP was shocked and saddened to learn that Randall Craig Fleischer, Maestro of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, passed away suddenly on August 19 at his home in Los Angeles. He was much loved by all who knew him and were fortunate enough to create music with him. He was the heart and soul of the HVP and we send deepest condolences to his family and to all those in this community who, like all at the Bardavon/HVP, are devastated by this loss.

Fleischer became music director of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic in 1992 and was a leading force in the classical music scene all over the United States. His charismatic personality and contagious love of music ignited orchestral brilliance in every concert he conducted.

He was an active guest conducting career with many major orchestras in the United States and internationally including repeat engagements with the Israel Philharmonic, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Boston Pops, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Utah Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Houston Symphony and others.

Additionally, he was also music director of the Anchorage Symphony and Youngstown Symphony Orchestra.

Active as a composer, Mr. Fleischer was also a national leader in the area of symphonic rock and world music fusion. Pioneering these new and growing genres for more than 20 years, he had worked with artists such as John Densmore (The Doors), Natalie Merchant, Blondie, Ani DiFranco, John Cale (Velvet Underground), Garth Hudson (The Band) and Kenny Rogers. Mr. Fleischer’s arrangements and orchestral works have been performed by major orchestras worldwide.

He also composed several new works focusing on the interrelationship of Native American music and culture and the symphonic realm. He collaborated with artists R. Carlos Nakai, Burning Sky, The Hawk Project and The Benaly Family. Mr. Fleischer’s work “Triumph” premiered in Flagstaff, Arizona in 2005. His work “Echoes” premiered in Washington, D.C. in November of 2008 at the National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian). Fleischer’s most recent work entitled “Symphony in Step” features the dance ensemble “Step Afrika” and is the first and only orchestral work featuring the African American dance tradition of “stepping.”

Mr. Fleischer first came to international attention when, while serving his first of five years as assistant and then associate conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), he conducted Dvorak’s Cello Concerto with Mstislav Rostropovich as soloist during the NSO’s 1990 tour of Japan and the U.S.S.R. Mr. Fleischer again had the honor of being chosen to accompany Maestro Rostropovich, once more conducting the NSO, this time in Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in a performance of Prokofiev’s “Sinfonia Concertante” in celebration of the composer’s birth. In December of 1992, he conducted an ensemble of over 70 cellists, including Yo-Yo Ma, and a 190-voice chorus in the Kennedy Center Awards tribute to Rostropovich, televised nationally on CBS, with President and Mrs. Bush presiding.

Mr. Fleischer studied with Leonard Bernstein as a conducting fellow at Tanglewood in 1989. He served as the assistant conductor of the American Symphony Orchestra from 1986 to 1989. While working toward his master of music at the Indiana University School of Music, he served as chorus master of the I.U. Opera Theater program from 1983 – 1985. Fleischer received his bachelor of music education from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and has studied conducting privately with Otto Werner Mueller and in master class with Seiji Ozawa, Ricardo Muti, Gustav Meier and others.

A last look at Randy with the HVP

Sign Randy's Guestbook

88 entries.

Patricia Barassi wrote on August 25, 2020 at 8:27 pm:

Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Randy and his smile and the incredible music and singing of the Philharmonic always put us in a great mood. I like to think he's still directing us from above.

roberta Brodie wrote on August 25, 2020 at 4:05 pm:

News of Randy’s passing had the same effect on me that the sudden loss of a family member would. As an HVP subscriber for many years, I’ve seen how he stretched our appreciation for all kinds of music and performance. He was always so well prepared in his pre-concert talks. I will miss his exuberance, his humor, and his talent. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Sally Taylor wrote on August 25, 2020 at 11:11 am:

RIP Maestro. The community will miss you.

Pat Murphy wrote on August 25, 2020 at 10:48 am:

To the family of Maestro Randall Craig Fleischer. You have my deepest sympathy and condolences. He inspired my love of classical music and the composers. His love and enthusiasm and sheer joy of music made it a delight to come to the Bardavon. Like music, Love is forever and dwells always in our hearts. Maestro Randall Fleischer touched us all. Sincerely, Pat Murphy

Patricia Miller wrote on August 24, 2020 at 10:12 pm:

There are no words that can convey the comfort that is needed at this time. You & your daughter have suffered a devastating loss and there was no time for even a goodbye. This may prove the hardest thing to deal with in the days to come and there is no one who can provide U with consolation so desperately needed. Yet so many people around the world loved your husband's work and his vision of music and we want to let you know that he will be missed dearly and completely. May the memories of his love, shared between you 2 and with your daughter, enfold you and help you through this dark tunnel of crushing grief. Please know that this is not the end and that our God, who is a God of Love, will reunite you and neither death nor tears will be any more. (Isaiah 25:8,Rev. 21:3,4)

wendy grishman susswein wrote on August 24, 2020 at 12:53 pm:

I am deeply saddened by Randy’s passing. He was a wonderful maestro who inspired musicians and audiences alike. My mom, Lore, an HVP regular, always saw the twinkle in Randy’s eye and so much enjoyed his conducting. My father, Kurt, a founding member of HVP and a member of the orchestra, adored him- they had many lively conversations over the years about programming, soloists, and expanding education. I last saw Randy on stage three years ago when he conducted a... Read more

Evelyn Stevenson wrote on August 24, 2020 at 12:23 pm:

How awful that the world, his family, the Bardavon and Chris Silva in particular have lost Randy Fleischer. What a joy to listen to the Hudson Valley Philharmonic with Randy at the helm and to have listened to his talk previously. What a joy to know that Chris Silva was happy too! Our condolences to the family. It is difficult to comprehend - may Randy rest in peace and may we all gradually accept our memories. Evelyn and David Stevenson

Bob Gardinor wrote on August 24, 2020 at 12:00 pm:

I was sadden by this... Seen him many times over the years in various places... In fact saw him at the Chance, as well as the Bardavon... Never a disappointment. Every show was excellent... He did alot for this area with the music. RIP

Anne and Bob Cotton wrote on August 24, 2020 at 11:09 am:

Dear Heidi and Michaela, As audience members of the HVP we are heartbroken at the loss of Randy. For many years he enriched our lives with his vibrant and expert conducting, his choice of beautiful and varied programs, the outstanding soloists he engaged, his energy, and his sense of humor. We will miss him more than we can say. Our hearts and thoughts go out to you in your grief. We mourn with you. Sincerely, Anne and Bob Cotton

Karen Gale wrote on August 24, 2020 at 10:59 am:

Randy was present at my very first audition for the Bardavon Opera Chorus in 2002. He changed my life by bringing the beauty and challenge of vocal masterpieces into it. He invited me to sing Rocktopia at Bethel Woods! Almost everything I have checked off my bucket list was because of Randy. I am so very sorry for your loss. I'm so sad I can't imagine how hard it is for his beautiful family. I will miss how he jumped... Read more

Helen Yee wrote on August 24, 2020 at 10:20 am:

We are deeply saddened to learn about our Randy Fleischer, creative, innovative, motivational maestro for the Hudson Valley Philharmonic Symphony. He brought so much depth, I learned so much about composers, traditional/new and appreciated music even more. He is one of the main reasons why we are season members. Not only was he talented, he was a beautiful soul who always smiled. It is a huge loss and will be missed. I know his light will always shine bright and... Read more

Barbara Best wrote on August 23, 2020 at 10:55 pm:

As I drove by the Bardavon Theatre this past Saturday I looked up to read the marquee and my heart stopped. I automatically said out loud “oh no, please no.” For years my husband and I have attended HVP performances. We were thrilled when Randy took the helm and brought so much enthusiasm and energy to conducting. We loved his innovative concerts especially enjoying his collaborative with our neighbor the late Sterling Morrison of the Velvet Underground. Truly the lights... Read more

Susan Powell wrote on August 23, 2020 at 7:27 pm:

Such a sad, sad time. I worked with Randy Since he'd joined the HVP & there was never a dull moment with him! What an enormous loss to the musical community. Sending my love to Heidi.

Karin and Jack fein wrote on August 23, 2020 at 7:23 pm:

Our hearts are broken. Randy was an engaging and innovative conductor and he helped the HVP become the outstanding orchestra it is today. We will miss his enthusiasm and his beautiful smile and of course the beautiful music he helped create here in the Hudson Valley.

john canner wrote on August 23, 2020 at 6:41 pm:

Kind thoughts, prayers for all & May Gods music comfort all of us🙏🏼- RIP Maestro and many thanks for your kindness, gifts & genius, many more Encores for you until we meet again🎼

Deborah SiconoLfI wrote on August 23, 2020 at 5:00 pm:

Our deepest condolences.

Kara O'Neill wrote on August 23, 2020 at 3:43 pm:

Randall was so welcoming and warm. He breathed fresh air into the Philharmonic when he took the reins. It’s so hard to imagine he is no longer with us, so shocking. May the energy of music carry you to the land of love and light.

Deirdre Mae Micker wrote on August 23, 2020 at 3:40 pm:

I had the privilege of singing with the HVP on two occasions. Randy was such a delight to work with. The first occasion involved a large children's chorus and he was rather like a favorite uncle who has already heard all the excuses because he tried them out himself! The children responded immediately. During a second , rather demanding production, "Time", was called and without missing a beat he gave us a big grin and stated"Rehearsal is grossly overrated!" The... Read more

NANCY DE FLON wrote on August 23, 2020 at 3:35 pm:

Thank you for the music, Mr. Fleischer -- may the angels lead you into paradise.

Callie Hershey and Michael Werner wrote on August 23, 2020 at 2:50 pm:

We loved Randy's spirit on the podium. He was different from every other conductor. He made classical music open and accessible to people who had not grown up loving it, and brought extra depth and passion to those of us who did. We loved witnessing his own musical explorations over the years. He is irreplaceable, but we are so grateful for the many incredible concerts we attended over the past 25 years. Our hearts, minds and souls were deeply enriched... Read more