Robert "Bob" Bernhardt has been a treasure in Chattanooga for the past 19 years as music director and conductor of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. But he has chosen to end that fine run. He will become music director emeritus, though he'll still conduct concerts and operas here in the future.
His skill and colorful wit have enriched the Chattanooga artistic scene in a way that will be greatly missed.
Bob, a native of Rochester, N.Y., earned a master's degree at the University of Southern California School of Music and was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Union College in New York.
It was a distinct blessing to the music world - and particularly to Chattanoogans - that Bob's early desire to be a baseball player was altered when he put down the bat to lift the baton.
He has a long list of musical triumphs, ranging from his Carnegie Hall debut in 1978 to his appearances as a guest conductor in many cities.
Maestro Bernhardt made the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, its musicians and its audiences a vital part of our artistic community, and he also earned distinction far and wide.
He has added delightful, colorful and cheerful musical whole notes to our community, for which we are most appreciative.