A List
4/16/01

SLU HONORS CELLIST ELSA HILGER

CANTON -- For many years, renowned cellist Elsa Hilger celebrated 
her birthday with recitals at St. Lawrence University. The tradition 
will return this year, when Hilger is honored at a reception to 
mark her 97th birthday, on Sunday, April 22, at 3 p.m. in the 
Common Room of Sykes Residence Hall. The event, hosted by Professor 
of Chemistry Paul Connett, is open to the public, free of charge; it 
will include a question-and-answer session with Hilger; audio and 
video highlights from her career and refreshments.
	Hilger made her debut with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra 
before World War I. In the 1920's she toured the U.S. with her two 
sisters, as the Hilger Trio. In 1934, Hilger became the first woman 
to become a regular member of a major symphony orchestra in the 
United States, when she joined the Philadelphia Orchestra under 
Leopold Stowkoski. She played with the Philadelphia until 1969.
	Following this "retirement," Hilger moved to Vermont, where 
she continued to give recitals with pianist Catherine Baird. On 
April 13, 1985, which happened to be her birthday, she gave her 
first concert at St. Lawrence. Pleased and impressed with the warm 
response she received from the campus community, Hilger returned for 
many years to perform in recitals near the April 13 date. Her last 
"birthday recital" was in 1998. 
	She received an honorary degree from the University in 1997, 
and a standing ovation from the graduating seniors and their families.

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