Robert Capanna, the former executive director at Settlement Music School (Philadelphia, PA) from 1982 – 2009 and a previous member of the National Guild board of trustees, passed away at age 65 two years after being diagnosed with cancer.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, “Mr. Capanna took over Settlement in 1982, overseeing a period of expansion in the school’s sites, programs, and student population before retiring from the job in 2009. At the same time, he worked to nurture the music community in numerous posts, including stints as president of the Presser Foundation and Musical Fund Society.”

Capanna is fondly remembered by his colleagues and friends. According to Joseph H. Kugler, former president of Philadelphia Orchestra, “He was a real Renaissance man. It is not easy to lead a complex, large nonprofit organization, and he didn’t just sit there and maintain it. He built it, increasing branches and the scope of programs. For most people that would be enough, but he was also a composer and lover of life.”

Mr. Capanna was a composer in genres from chamber to orchestral to choral, and his works were played by the Philadelphia Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, Mendelssohn Quartet, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Orchestra 2001, Philadelphia Singers, and others.

Learn more here about his life and contribution to the field.