NJSO remembers Lawrence Leighton Smith

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra remembers conductor Lawrence Leighton Smith, who passed away on Friday, October 25. Smith was NJSO Principal Guest Conductor from 1997–2000; he conducted the Orchestra several times during the decade.

NJSO second violinist Debra Biderman says: “Larry Smith was a great musician, and he was such a happy person [because he was] a musician. He enjoyed sharing and talking about music, and he made us want to play.”

NJSO Principal Bassoon Bob Wagner says: “Larry was a really fun person to make music with—he approached music with great skill and confidence, and he had an infectious energy that brought the musicians and audience along with him. He was always incredibly genial; [his relationship with the NJSO] was a terrific partnership.”

Read a feature about Smith’s life in The Gazette of Colorado Springs.