A gift of a permanent legacy

The John Hsu Endowment Fund:
In 2005, after 50 years at Cornell, Professor John Hsu, beloved teacher, conductor, scholar, and friend retires, but he leaves behind a legacy for a brilliant future in the Cornell Music Department. Initially hired as a Professor of Cello, Professor Hsu held many positions within the Music Department during his half-century career at Cornell. He taught courses in theory, performed extensively on the viola de gamba, and most recently, conducted the Cornell Chamber Orchestra and Cornell Symphony Orchestra. As Maestro, he introduced exciting repertoire, including the complete Beethoven Symphony cycle. Students lucky enough to work under his baton learned to love the art of orchestral playing, the beauty of the expansive repertoire, and to appreciate the creative relationship between the musicians and the composer.
In tribute to Professor Hsu'’s years of dedication and generosity to music at Cornell, the Music Department has chosen to honor him in a unique way with a gift that celebrates him while helping future Cornell orchestra musicians. The day following his farewell performance of Haydn'’s Creation, a luncheon was held in his honor at which this gift was unveiled: An endowment fund. The John Hsu Orchestral Fund will serve as a permanent legacy and will focus on enriching funds for orchestra activities at Cornell, such as future tours, retreats and guest artists. Professor Hsu was deeply moved by the presentation.
The Cornell Music Department has provided the initial seed money for this new endowment fund; its growth will be dependent on targeted donations from the greater Cornell community. To sustain the vitality of this lasting legacy to Professor Hsu and orchestral music at Cornell, contributions to the fund are encouraged and greatly appreciated. Checks should be made out to Cornell University, memo John Hsu Orchestral Fund, or on the alumni website. For further reading about Professor Hsu, please see the forthcoming Cornell Music Department newsletter for an exclusive interview feature.
By Brightin Schlumpf '07 [from May 2005 Whole Notes]