Principal Cellist To Retire From El Paso Symphony Orchestra After 50 Years
After 50 years with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, cellist Ida Steadman will make her final curtain call Saturday. That’s when her final performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre.
“It’s very emotional when you spend 50 years dedicating yourself to an organization like this,” Steadman said. “It’s a big thing to stop.”
Well, Steadman isn’t so much stopping as slowing down. The 69-year-old plans to dedicate more of her time to the award-winning orchestra program she runs at Coronado High School. After all, her love of the symphony began when she was that age.
“I wish that they have the joy that I have in making music,” Steadman said of her high school students. “Because when you express yourself through music you get to express everything that you feel.”
Steadman’s decision to retire didn’t come easy.
“I thought I was really ready for it, but the closer it gets, the more i’m filled with all kinds of emotions,” Steadman said.
Steadman is used to expressing those emotions through music.
“If I’m not really happy with my students today, I’ll take it out on the music,” Steadman said. “We get to express sadness, joy, the complete range of human emotions.”
Steadman’s retirement coincides with the resignation of conductor Sarah Ioannides. Ioannides is the El Paso orchestra’s sixth and only female conductor. Steadman hopes both of their dedications to the symphony orchestra will instill a sense of support.
“We’re in some serious financial times and difficult times, but the quality of our community is reflected in the quality of the arts.”
Related Links:Link:Buy Tickets For April 15 EPSO PerformanceLink:Buy Tickets For April 16 EPSO Performance
