Three Philadelphia Orchestra Players To Retire

The Philadelphia Orchestra at Friday's concert honored three musicians retiring this season — all three hired during the Ormandy era: double-bass players Neil Courtney (a member since 1961) and Emilio "Lee" Gravagno (1967); and violinist Virginia Halfmann (1972).

The orchestra also presented its annual distinguished service honor, the C. Hartman Kuhn Award, to Herold Klein, a violinist in the orchestra since 1971.