WE ARE
Committed to Opera
We are saddened by the passing of one of the sweetest women ever to grace the pit. Cecilia Brauer passed away following the recent death of her brother Ray Gniewek, longtime Concertmaster of the Met Orchestra for 43 years.
Cecilia was the orchestra’s Celeste player, who also performed piano on tours, and was passionate about performing with the Glass Armonica whenever possible. This unusual and haunting instrument was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761, but was largely forgotten by 1820.
Cecilia was an accomplished pianist, having graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music, won numerous national awards, performed on NPR and on soundtracks of movies such as “Interview with a Vampire” who also taught a tremendous amount of students. She performed on our Tucker Gala Concert in 2013 which was on her 90th birthday!
Enjoy this audio clip from Donizetti’s “Lucia Di Lammermoor” with Anna Netrebko singing the “Mad Scene”. If you listen closely you will hear Cecilia playing the haunting sounds of the Glass Armonica.
Cecilia had a full career, family and life filled with music, and she always had the biggest smile for us all. We will miss her very much.
Rest in Peace Cecilia.
