Objects

This beautiful portrait photograph of Felicja Blumental by Louis Ouzer may have been taken in 1971, on the occasion of the premiere of Krzysztof Penderecki’s “Partita for Harpsichord, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Harp, Double Bass and Chamber Orchestra”, composed on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester (New York State) and dedicated to Felicia Blumental. | Louis Ouzer (1913–2002) originated from a family of Jewish immigrants from the Tsarist Russia. He grew up in Rochester, got educated there, then opened a photo studio on Gibbs Street, near the Eastman School of Music. He soon became the unofficial “court” photographer of the School and the local symphony orchestra (Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra). His output includes photos of many famous musicians, singers, composers and virtuosos. He donated his photographic archive to the Sibley Music Library (see https://www.esm.rochester.edu/sibley/specialcollections/findingaids/ouzer/, accessed 8 August 2021). | Renata Piątkowska