One conductor eulogizes another

By David Amos

SAN DIEGO — On September 20, my wife Lee and I were in Seattle and attended the memorial service for the recently departed Peter Eros, age 82. You may remember him. He was the resident conductor of the San Diego Symphony in the 1970’s and the early 80’s. I was most surprised not seeing any mention of this in our local paper, the San Diego U-T.

His years in San Diego were turbulent ones. The orchestra was on its way to establishing itself as a major force worthy of national attention, there were disputes and differences between the board, management, and at times the musicians, budgetary growing pains, and a battle between the old and new guards. In the middle of all of this, the orchestra developed an exciting sound and performances began to have artistic meaning.

I was present at Eros’ first concert with our San Diego Symphony, and felt immediately his sense of musicality, crisp rhythms, authority, and understanding of the music. During his years with us, he developed a strong following with the musicians and audiences.

These were the times of Peter Eros in Dan Diego. He was a conductor of superb credentials, having studied in Hungary with Zoltan Kodaly and other greats, and was later mentored by conducting legends Antal Dorati and George Szell. After Hungary, he continued to become, at the age of 28, the Associate Conductor of the Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra.

His accomplishments and successes go beyond what is mentioned above. He guest conducted many orchestras in his career, including Stuttgart, Perth, Aalborg, Baltimore, and others. He also became well known for his uncanny and virtuoso whistling, which he used brilliantly to demonstrate a phrase or a musical idea.

But, he had one quality which caused him various controversies at different times: He was brutally frank and honest, told you directly what he liked or did not like about what you said, and held nothing back. This offended some members of the board and the press, but delighted many of us time and time again. He was very optimistic and humorous, with a colorful and entertaining choice of words, which made him always an interesting person to engage.

Peter worked enthusiastically with people who believed in the power of good music as he did, and gave his time to the musicians, the community, and the press when he was requested. Lee and I, as well as a group of other admirers, met with him socially, and continued the contact when he left San Diego. He moved on to become the Director of Orchestras at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he did memorable work for, I believe around 20 years. He developed a large following there, and was surrounded by many friends, students, and ex-students who continued to have successful musical careers.

Since we have family in the Seattle area and visit the Emerald City every few months, it gave us the opportunity to visit Eros at his home many times, bringing him up to date with San Diego music and musicians, and, best of all, hear his many stories about his encounters with the masters of the Twentieth Century. He even cooked dinner for us one fine evening. His opinions on American and world politics were never-ending, and very incisive. Many times, he gave me wise advise as to what literature I should and should not perform with my TICO Orchestra. He always had something to say, and it was colorful, and with content. Interestingly, he did not know that he was Jewish from both his parents, until the age of twelve, because he was in hiding in Budapest during World War II, and out of touch with his family.

He was delighted to be reminded that I may have been the only conductor who conducted him in a concert. It was the late 1970’s and the San Diego Symphony held a fund raising radiothon. I suggested to Eros that I would offer our orchestra for an evening concert with all the funds given to the SDS, and that the musical selections would be encore pieces featuring as soloists the San Diego Symphony’s first chair players. I also insisted the Eros would play a movement of a piano concerto, which he accepted and did. We all had some good fun, and raised needed money for the Symphony.

At the September 20 memorial in Seattle, there were around 50 people in attendance. There were some fine musical selections, and a few people spoke. I also said a few words.

Peter leaves behind two children; Otto, who resides in Auckland, New Zealand, and Andreas, who lives in San Diego with his wife Christy and three grandchildren. Peter kept close contact with his two ex-wives, Gyorgi Eros and Jasmin Leuthold.

There will also be a memorial in San Diego, which I am sure will be well attended. When I know of the date and place, I will let you know.

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Amos is the conductor of the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra and has guest conducted professional orchestras around the world.  He may be contacted via david.amos@sdjewishworld.com