It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our dear friend and Adjunct Professor, Beth Orson.
”Beth Orson cared deeply for her students at the School of Music. She has influenced generations of young musicians with her great wisdom and musicianship.” — T. Patrick Carrabré, Director of the UBC School of Music
Beth was also the Assistant Principal Oboe & English Horn for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and taught at the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO), and the VSO Institute at Whistler.
As an English horn player, Beth has been featured soloist at the VSO in works by Bramwell Tovey, James MacMillan, Brian Cherney, Rodney Sharman, Copland and Sibelius. A graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory, Ms. Orson’s principal teachers were Laurence Thorstenberg, James Caldwell, and Elaine Douvas. Before moving to Vancouver, she worked as a freelance musician in New York City where she regularly performed with the orchestras of the Metropolitan & New York City Operas, the Orchestra of St.Luke’s, Philharmonia Virtuosi, and on Broadway.
The impact that Beth has made on our School, students and music community is immeasurable. We will miss her generous spirit, sense of humour and brilliance. Our deepest condolences to her loved ones.
Mental Health Resources:
- Here2Talk: 1-604-642-5212 (if residing outside of Canada)
- UBC Student Assistance Program: a free, 24/7 wellness resource for students.
- Phone (toll-free): Within North America – 1 833 590 1328, outside North America – 1 604 757 9734.
- Website: link, with password UBCV
If you are in distress:Call Crisis Center BC: 1-800-784-2433Call or visit VGH Access and Assessment Centre: 604-675-3700 (7:30am to 11:00pm)Visit your nearest hospital emergency room
