Background
Black, Ralph was born on July 11, 1919 in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States. Son of Ernest Watson and Margaret Marie (Caston) Black.
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book
The Best of Black Notes (The Wit and Wisdom of Ralph Black on Symphony Orchestra Success)
("Give me six women, a tea and a handful of cookies---and ...)
"Give me six women, a tea and a handful of cookies---and I will give you a symphony orchestra." It's true. The volunteer is the raison d'etre for not only orchestras, but all the arts. I reckon I really mean the women volunteers. Yes, of course, we men do contribute enormously to the orchestras' success. But it seems to me that the women are a bit more constant. Bless them...They are imbued with that extraordinary missionary zeal that somehow is lacking in our genes. It has been my experience that if the orchestra really must get something done, give it to the Volunteer Guild. Somehow they are able to separate the dedicated from the infatuated. They don't just pass resolutions, they get results. And speaking of dedication... It is with great joy and gratitude that I dedicate this collection of essays to the symphonies' volunteer guilds---without whom we would not have any orchestras." (from dedication by Ralph Black, and signed) "Ralph Black is Vice President for In-Field Consulting at the American Symphony Orchestra League, and a nationally recognized leader in the orchestra field. His orchestra experience dates back to the early 1950s and includes top management positions with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Chattanooga Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic, and the Baltimore Symphony. He also managed the National Ballet for 11 years before coming to the League in 1973. At the League's 37th National Conference held in Washington, D.C. in June 1982, Mr. Black was presented with the Louis Sudler Award for "distinguished service to the profession of symphony orchestra management." (from back cover) "Readers of Symphony Magazine, the official publication of the American Symphony Orchestra League, are sure to recognize "Black Notes" as a familiar friend. This popular, down-to-earth column has appeared as a regular feature in Symphony Magazine and its predecessor, Symphony News, since May of 1974. Its author is Ralph Black......." from foreword by Catherine French
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Ralph Black
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Ralph Black, American performing arts executive. Recipient Louis Sudler distinguished service award, 1982; Fulbright scholar, 1986. Member Association American Dance Companies (founding chairman), American Arts Alliance (director Washington), National Music Council (director New York City), Congressional Country Club.
Education
Student, Houghton College, 1937-1941.
Career
General manager, Chattanooga Symphony, 1950-1951; general manager, Buffalo Philharmonic, 1951-1955; general manager, National Symphony, Washington, 1955-1960; general manager, Baltimore Symphony, 1960-1963; general manager, National Ballet, Washington, 1963-1973; vice president, American Symphony Orchestra League, Vienna, Virginia, 1955-1959; executive director, American Symphony Orchestra League, 1973-1981. General director Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, Woodstock, Virginia, 1974-1978.
Achievements
Works
book
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The Best of Black Notes (The Wit and Wisdom of Ralph Black on Symphony Orchestra Success)
("Give me six women, a tea and a handful of cookies---and ...)
- More Black Notes: The Wit and Wisdom of Ralph Black on Symphony Orchestra Success
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The Best of Black Notes (The Wit and Wisdom of Ralph Black on Symphony Orchestra Success)
Membership
Member Association American Dance Companies (founding chairman), American Arts Alliance (director Washington), National Music Council (director New York City), Congressional Country Club.
Connections
Married Eva Landsberger, August 1, 1950. Children– Johana, Eric, Ralph II, Dean.
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Born
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Died
February 13, 1989 (aged 69) -
Nationality
American
Education
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1941
Career
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1950 - 1951
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1951 - 1955
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1955 - 1960
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1955 - 1959
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1960 - 1963
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1963 - 1973