Author: sonofamaster
Date: 2011-09-22 14:28
My father, Aldo G. Bettelli, was a 1959 graduate of Curtis Institute and a clarinet master, who studied under Anthony Gigliotti. He played at JFK Inauguration in 1961 and was a clarinetist for the Baltimore Symphony, Haddonfield Symphony and Cherry Hill Symphony.
He passed away in 1974 from cancer and never had the opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing in the Philadelphia Orchestra. He auditioned with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy in the early 1960's, but was wrongfully denied the position of 1st clarinet that, as I understand, was clearly something he earned.
There were about 53 clarinetists world-wide who auditioned. It was narrowed down to my father and one other, clarinetist, Ron Reuben (if I understand correctly and if that is accurate).
My father never saw the music and played it flawlessly on the spot as I understand from two of my uncles, who were an eyewitness to the audition. The other clarinetist (Reuben?) had his musical piece for about 2 weeks and had time to rehearse the part well in advance.
After Ormandy chose the other clarinetist, the other musicians watching on threw chairs, cussed and were utterly disgusted that my father did not win. They told my dad back stage that he lost due to a bribe. My father's whole life fell before his eyes and he sank into a serious depression. He learned that "it's not what you know, but who you know".
I reach out to other clarinetists, who may be aware of this and can help shed the truth for me. It has been almost 38 years since my father's passing and I'm trying to get to the bottom of this, once and for all.
I appreciate anyone coming forward with any information you have.
Many thanks,
Aldo G. Bettelli's son (Aldo)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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