By Richard Kaufman
For decades, Mary Radcliffe has dedicated her life to music.
Originally from Hungary, she came to the United States in 1946 at the age of 18, and enrolled in the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She later received her master’s from the Manhattan School of Music.
After meeting her husband and getting married, Radcliffe moved to Riverside and started a family. She then began teaching piano for 30 years, and joined the board of directors for the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra in the late 1970’s.
In 1983, she became president of the Greenwich Symphony, and has remained in that role ever since.
So on Tuesday, May 8, which happened to be National Teacher Appreciation Day and the date she came to America 72 years ago, Radcliffe was honored by the Young Artists Philharmonic during their annual gala at the Greenwich Water Club.
The YAP, which is now in its 58th season, is a regional youth orchestra based in Greenwich which serves Fairfield and Westchester counties. With three orchestras, YAP provides a comprehensive classical music education in an orchestral setting to over 100 musicians, ages 7 to 18.
“We wanted to honor Mary at this event because she’s been a very important part for Young People’s Concerts in Greenwich. Our mission is all about educating young people,” said YAP Executive Director, Greg Robbins, noting that the YAP and Greenwich Symphony Orchestra have collaborated together. “We’re very grateful for all the work she’s done.”
Marcia Hamilton, a close friend of Radcliffe’s and a former YAP board member, said Radcliffe has been instrumental in bringing classical music to the residents of Greenwich.
She also said Radcliffe played a big role in making sure the Greenwich High School Performing Arts Center came to fruition.
“Mary and her husband have been significant supporters and contributors to music for young people,” Hamilton said. “They were key people in getting the new auditorium built at GHS. It has given kids who perform, either in drama or music, a superior acoustic venue.”
First Selectman, Peter Tesei, was in attendance and issued a proclamation to the YAP, stating that May 8 would be The Young Artists Philharmonic Day.
“The Young Artists Philharmonic, with its mission to educate, enrich, and inspire young people through the transformative power of beauty of music has engaged musicians of the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra to help teach and conduct its students,” the proclamation read in part. “The Young Artists Philharmonic strives, through the teaching, study, practice, and performance of music under the guidance of professional musicians, to help its members develop skills of self-discipline, teamwork and character.”
Tesei, who has known Radcliffe even before his days as First Selectman, called her “resilient and dedicated.”
“This is a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to the advancement of music in this community,” Tesei added. “I think we’re all in awe at what you’ve accomplished, and what you continue to do on behalf of the town.”
Radcliffe gave a brief speech, and spoke about her childhood in Hungary, and how music has played a big part in her life. She noted that music students excel in all areas of school, and that music teaches valuable lessons.
“I’m delighted to be here to see so many dedicated supporters of the Young Artists Philharmonic, and I’m deeply moved to be named the honoree,” she said.
But most of all, she stressed the importance of young people being involved with music.
“The greatest gift my parents ever gave me was starting me on piano lessons on our beautiful Steinway when I was eight years old,” she said.
Since then, Radcliffe has instilled that same passion for music in countless people throughout Greenwich and the surrounding areas.
