David Fetler passed away yesterday afternoon at the age of 96. He was a prominent figure in the classical music world both locally and nationally. He, his siblings, and his parents were predecessors of the famous Von Trapp Family Singers. The Fetler Family Band began performing concerts in their native Latvia and later throughout Europe. The photos I am providing of the Fetlers are from 1934, where you can see David on the conducting podium at age 7 (one photo has been colorized).
Locally, David Fetler was a legend. He spent many decades as a conductor and teacher. His teaching years were at the Eastman School of Music. He was most prominently known locally as long-time music director at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and as music director of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra for over fifty years. (I was privileged to serve as the orchestra's board president and treasurer during its final stretch.) In addition, David was music director of the Greece Symphony Orchestra for many years. For many performances by both the RCO and GSO, David collaborated with the Bach Children's Chorus, directed by Karla Krogstad. They added a special touch to the annual Messiah performance with the RCO.
Dr. Fetler had a unique knack for discovering new talent, and many musicians nationally and internationally can trace their first big break to him. David liked to roam the halls while Eastman students practiced their instruments. If he heard a student showing promise, he would occasionally ask him or her to perform as a soloist with the Rochester Chamber Orchestra. He also had a keen ear for promising talent around the country. On several occasions, he would listen to recordings of potential soloists and then ask me to look up corresponding performances by these soloists on-line and ask for my input. He would then contact them about playing with the RCO.
When David Fetler and I appeared on WXXI for an interview in 2014, it was for the occasion of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra's 50th anniversary. I had done some research beforehand and discovered that David had reached the milestone of being the longest serving music director of an orchestra. The previous conductor with such distinction was the late Arthur Fiedler, who had led the Boston Pops for 49 years.
R.I.P. David Fetler. Your musical legacy will be remembered for many decades to come.
