In memory of Julian H. Kreeger (1940-2024)

The president of FOCM, Julian Kreeger, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024 after an extended illness. Several lovely obituaries have been published capturing different aspects of the impact he had on the music world, the South Florida community, and his friends and family:

The Passion for FOCM

Those of you who regularly attended concerts would have noticed that his attendance had dropped over the past two years -- though his passion for producing the series, talking to the artists and their management, and bringing the world's finest musical talents to South Florida was ever present.  

Even as he was bedbound, he vehemently insisted that FOCM continue to produce the concerts, and implored us to take our special musical guests out to dinners afterward. Developed and strengthened over numerous decades, our father's bond with the musicians, and you, was paramount to him. 

So we wanted to let you know that his passion and the legacy of his 38+ years as the president of Friends of Chamber Music will be continued. 

The Future of FOCM

The board met earlier this week and has taken several steps to navigate FOCM through this transition period:

  1. Transition Planning: We are establishing a transition committee that will inform the development of a memorial concert to be added to the end of the 2024-25 season and establish a vision and strategic plan for 2025 and beyond. Renowned conductor and South Florida's James Judd, and frequent artists Ken Noda and Alex Fiterstein have already enthusiastically volunteered to help with this process.

  2. Artistic Direction: Abram Kreeger and Alex Fiterstein will serve as interim artistic co-directors.

  3. Board Leadership: Daniel Kreeger has been appointed to serve as the interim board president, Stephen Margulis has been reconfirmed as board secretary, and Dan Thomas has been reconfirmed as board treasurer. Former FIU provost Doug Wartzok will continue to serve on the board. Additional board announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

We want to thank all of you who have supported our father's passion and Friends of Chamber Music over the years. He took enormous pride in this series and the FOCM community.

And lastly, while he would not have overtly asked, it is important to ensure the legacy of this series ... contributions in support of FOCM in memory of Julian Kreeger will help us to ensure that FOCM thrives in 2025 and the years beyond. Contributions can be made as follows:

Thank you for supporting and playing such a significant part of Julian Kreeger’s passion!