In Memory of
Harry Brabec

He was a member of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. for three years and a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for one season. In 1951, he joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a section percussionist and a year later was appointed Principal Percussionist by then-music-director Rafael Kubelik, a conductor he admired greatly. When Fritz Reiner took over the baton, however, Harry and many other CSO members found life more difficult.

For some reason Harry never understood, Reiner did not like him, and they constantly tangled horns over the years until Reiner finally had Harry removed from the orchestra in 1956. (Part of this interesting story is documented in Sam Denov’s book, Symphonic Paradox–The Misadventures of a Wayward Musician. Sam was in the percussion section with Harry during this period of his life. See also page on this site that recounts two Harry Brabec/Fritz Reiner stories.) After leaving the Chicago Symphony, Harry was on staff at NBC for two years, where he played with the NBC Symphony of Chicago.

Later, after we were married, Harry was rehired by the Chicago Symphony as assistant Stage Librarian and then appointed Stage Manager in 1968, a position he held until June 1971. During this second tenure with the CSO, Harry frequently performed as an extra percussionist, and seeing him perform on stage in his white tie and tails always gave me a thrill.

In 1962, Harry became the house drummer at the Shubert Theater in Chicago, where shows usually ran for several months. Once again, I had a front row seat for every musical that came into town, including Carnival, Stop the World, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Oliver. As a freelance musician, Harry had his pick of available work, and when he wasn’t doing shows at the Shubert or Melody Top, he might be playing with the Lyric Opera, Grant Park or Ravinia. He also played Cabaret and A Chorus Line when these shows came to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area.

During his life-long career as a professional musician or orchestra manger, Harry worked with countless orchestras and entertainers, including Bob Hope, Tony Bennett, Danny Thomas, Danny Kaye, Sonny & Cher and many others. As his wife, I was privileged to meet such greats as Pete Fountain, Ella Fitzgerald and Carol Channing.

   Page 2 - Moving in New Directions

A look at Harry's work with the Disney World Marching Band, Artisan Crafts Magazine, Silver Dollar City's Fall Festival, and the International Crafts Exposition in Williamsburg, Virginia.