Yesterday, the music world lost a genuinely magnificent musician and one of the great ones. Ryan Anthony, Principal Trumpet of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and NRO Fellow in 1991 and 1992, passed away after a long battle with Multiple Myeloma, a rare blood and bone marrow cancer. He was diagnosed in 2012.
Ryan, not one to shy away from challenges, was a trumpet prodigy of sorts. He was the winner of the Seventeen Magazine Concerto Competition at age 16, joined the internationally recognized Canadian Brass in 2000 and the Dallas Symphony in 2004, becoming principal in 2006.
But these accomplishments, while stellar in every measure, do not begin to describe the person Ryan was and will always represent for those of us lucky enough to have known him. We were not close, but the few times spent with Ryan are cherished. He was a person to make you feel welcome and important. His dedication to music and his family were teaching moments. He was the person you wanted to become.
Throughout his continual fight with Multiple Myeloma, Ryan had many ups and downs. Still, his focus seemed to remain positive. I encourage you to please look up Cancer Blows and the Ryan Anthony Foundation. You will find out more about Ryan and his work to have a lasting impact on this world through funding and awareness.
We had hoped to have Ryan at the NRO Summer Music Festival last summer, but unfortunately, he was unable to attend. I am very sorry our fellows did not get a chance to work with him. Our hearts are especially with his family during this difficult time.
Rest in Peace,
Dave DePeters
CEO
National Repertory Orchestra
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So sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of trumpet virtuoso and colleague Ryan Anthony. I had the honor to work with him at the Cleveland Institute of Music, the National Repertory Orchestra (NRO), and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. His outstanding musicianship was only topped by his warm and generous personality. He will be sorely missed.
What I most remember about Ryan’s summer with the NRO was his magnificent solo trumpet performance of John Williams’ Born on the Fourth of July. I also heard him in Vail on several occasions with the Dallas Symphony, where he anchored the brass section with his wonderful playing.
I’m thankful to have had the chance to collaborate and hear him during the various stage of his career and send my heartfelt condolences to his family.
Carl Topilow
Music Director
National Repertory Orchestra
*Photo by Steve Roberts