SCHWEICKHARDT, Brian

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Sunday, January 19, 2003 Brian Schweickhardt, virtuoso clarinetist, died at age 58, on Tuesday, January 7, 2003 in Sacramento, Ca. His passion for music dominated his life, his wit was legendary, his reading voracious, his musical prowess unsurpassed. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Brian graduated from Scottsdale High School, received a BA from the Cleveland Institute of Music, a Masters In Performance from University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and Masters of Education (with Distinction) from the National University. Brian made his New York recital debut in 1980 at Carnegie Recital Hall. In addition to chamber music, solo appearances, recording and conducting, he was Assistant Principal Clarinetist with the Detroit Symphony for 12 seasons, where he founded the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble of Detroit, the Trio con Brio and was director of Save Orchestra Hall, Inc. In 1984, he became Principal Clarinetist with the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra and was the founder of The Chamber Music Society of Sacramento. Brian recorded two solo albums The Composer's Clarinet (Vol. I and II). He performed as first clarinetist for many prominent conductors including Paray, Dorati, Ozawa, Levine and Previn. For the last 7 years, he also taught in Sacramento schools where he was bestowed the heartfelt title of "Mr. Music" by his students. Brian is survived by his mother Florine Schweikart of Scottsdale, Az.; sisters Jan (Ralph) Ashby of Tempe, Az. and Chris Schweikart of Scottsdale, Az.; nephews Niles (Denna) Russell of Chandler, Az. and Neil (Yinong) Russell of Maryland. He is preceded in death by his father Herman Schweikart. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. at Messinger Mortuary 7601 E Indian School, Scottsda, Az. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.