Patricia Adams Harris has informed the harp community of the death of her father, Burton Adams, on Nov. 30, 2012. Burton Adams established the Anne Adams Awards, in honor of his wife, and in 2000 he was included inHarp Column’s list of most influential people in the harp world. Patricia Adams Harris shares this tribute:
“We are saddened to report the passing of Dr. Burton Adams. He died on November 30, 2012, at the age of 98. He was a World War II Veteran, a General Surgeon and the husband and biggest fan of Anne Adams. He was proud to be a life member of the American Harp Society and a founding member of the American Harp Society Foundation. Dr. Adams was a strong supporter of harpists and the harp world, helping Anne to mentor and succor many harp students. He opened his home to host many wonderful harpists of his generation including Marcel Grandjany, Nicanor Zabaleta, and Mildred Dilling whenever they were in town. He also commissioned works for harp by Darius Milhaud, Richard Faith and other composers.
In l990 he established the Anne Adams Awards in honor of his wife Anne, principal harpist of the San Francisco Symphony and Opera for many years. These Awards encourage harp students toward excellence and have helped many young harpists financially.
A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, Alameda CA on Wednesday December 26th at 4:00 pm. In his memory in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Harp Society Foundation, Anne Adams Awards, 646 Worcester Drive, Cambria CA 93428-3230.”
