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| education = [[Juilliard School]] | | education = [[Juilliard School]] | ||
| children = Debbie Howser & David Cohen | | children = Debbie Howser & David Cohen | ||
| spouse = Alan Cohen | | spouse = {{plainlist| | ||
* {{marriage|Alan Cohen|1965|1978|end=died}} | |||
* {{marriage|[[Ajit Hutheesing]] |1996|2006|end=}} | |||
}} | |||
| occupation = [[Violin]]ist | | occupation = [[Violin]]ist | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Helen Armstrong''' (March 16, 1943 – April 28, 2006) was the founder and [[artistic director]] of | '''Helen Armstrong''' (March 16, 1943 – April 28, 2006) was the founder and [[artistic director]] of Armstrong Chamber Concerts Inc (ACC),<ref>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CEEDC123CF936A15751C0A966958260 CONNECTICUT GUIDE] ''[[New York Times]]'', February 25, 1990.</ref> a non-profit, [[chamber music]] organization she founded in 1984. The creation and development of ACC was inspired by [[Avery Fisher]] and [[Skitch Henderson]], who advised Ms. Armstrong that her new artistic mission should be to broaden public interest and knowledge of chamber music through performance and education. The heart of this mission has been to bring musical education to public and private schools through its unique Students’ Music Enrichment Program. More than 100,000 students have participated in this program in Litchfield and Fairfield counties, and in [[Harlem]] and the [[Bronx]]. | ||
She developed ACC’s reputation by building a roster of more than 100 world-renowned-artists, many whom contributed to the education programs. Her dedication, artistry and love of music and musicians inspired all those who met her and performed with her, including [[Itzhak Perlman]], Skitch Henderson, [[Martha Graham]], [[Peter Duchin]], [[Kathie Lee Gifford]], [[Christopher Dodd]], [[Ezra Laderman]] and [[June Dunbar]]. | She developed ACC’s reputation by building a roster of more than 100 world-renowned-artists, many whom contributed to the education programs. Her dedication, artistry and love of music and musicians inspired all those who met her and performed with her, including [[Itzhak Perlman]], Skitch Henderson, [[Martha Graham]], [[Peter Duchin]], [[Kathie Lee Gifford]], [[Christopher Dodd]], [[Ezra Laderman]] and [[June Dunbar]]. | ||
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
Armstrong was born in [[Rockford, Illinois]], on March 16, 1943 to Dr. Robert Bruce and Hannah Armstrong. She first held a violin at the age of 3, with her mother as her teacher.<ref>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9807EFDE1E3BF930A15754C0A9669C8B63 Want Some Musicians To Visit? Here's a Way] ''[[New York Times]]'', July 23, 2000.</ref> She arrived in New York City, during which time she studied under [[Ivan Galamian]] and [[Dorothy DeLay]]. She eventually attended the [[Juilliard School]] in pursuit of a solo career. | Armstrong was born in [[Rockford, Illinois]], on March 16, 1943, to Dr. Robert Bruce and Hannah Armstrong. She first held a violin at the age of 3, with her mother as her teacher.<ref>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9807EFDE1E3BF930A15754C0A9669C8B63 Want Some Musicians To Visit? Here's a Way] ''[[New York Times]]'', July 23, 2000.</ref> She arrived in New York City, during which time she studied under [[Ivan Galamian]] and [[Dorothy DeLay]]. She eventually attended the [[Juilliard School]] in pursuit of a solo career. | ||
She made her [[Lincoln Center]] debut in 1976 and went on to perform with orchestras such as the [[Boston Pops]], the [[Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra]], the New Polish Philharmonic, and the [[Martha Graham Dance Company]]. | She made her [[Lincoln Center]] debut in 1976 and went on to perform with orchestras such as the [[Boston Pops]], the [[Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra]], the New Polish Philharmonic, and the [[Martha Graham Dance Company]]. | ||
| Line 27: | Line 30: | ||
==Career== | ==Career== | ||
Armstrong’s career as an international virtuoso violinist was interrupted by the long illness and eventual death of her first husband, Alan Cohen. Armstrong turned her talents largely towards achieving the mission of ACC while occasionally performing on the international stage. During the past 22 years, her focus had been concert performances in elegant private homes in Greenwich, in other venues in Washington, D.C. and [[New Milford, Connecticut|New Milford]], as well as at [[Carnegie Hall]] in New York City. In addition, she built a sterling reputation as a teacher by committing the talents of top artists to her educational mission. | Armstrong’s career as an international virtuoso violinist was interrupted by the long illness and eventual death of her first husband, Alan Cohen. Armstrong turned her talents largely towards achieving the mission of ACC while occasionally performing on the international stage. During the past 22 years, her focus had been concert performances in elegant private homes in Greenwich, in other venues in Washington, D.C., and [[New Milford, Connecticut|New Milford]], as well as at [[Carnegie Hall]] in New York City. In addition, she built a sterling reputation as a teacher by committing the talents of top artists to her educational mission. | ||
Armstrong, who was a prizewinner in the Tibor Varga International Violin Competition in Switzerland and has received awards from the Society of American Musicians and Outstanding Artists of [[Illinois]], is listed in ''Who's Who in the East'', ''Who's Who in American Women'', ''Outstanding Young Women of America'' and ''Who’s Who in Entertainment''. She has recorded on the Musical Heritage, Elysium and CRS labels — Reflections, on the Elysium label and the newest CD, Illusions, on CRS, which was recently released. Her violin, a [[J.B. Guadagnini]], dated 1760, was one of her great loves. | Armstrong, who was a prizewinner in the Tibor Varga International Violin Competition in Switzerland and has received awards from the Society of American Musicians and Outstanding Artists of [[Illinois]], is listed in ''Who's Who in the East'', ''Who's Who in American Women'', ''Outstanding Young Women of America'' and ''Who’s Who in Entertainment''. She has recorded on the Musical Heritage, Elysium and CRS labels — Reflections, on the Elysium label and the newest CD, Illusions, on CRS, which was recently released. Her violin, a [[J.B. Guadagnini]], dated 1760, was one of her great loves. | ||
| Line 33: | Line 36: | ||
Late in her life, [[Bruce Swedien]], convinced her to join him in producing a popular music recording. Although they were able to produce early cuts of the recording, she died before it could be completed. | Late in her life, [[Bruce Swedien]], convinced her to join him in producing a popular music recording. Although they were able to produce early cuts of the recording, she died before it could be completed. | ||
Helen died on April 28, 2006 in Greenwich, Connecticut, at the age of 63 <ref name=nyw>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9402E2DE133AF936A35756C0A9609C8B63 Helen Armstrong] ''[[New York Times]]'', May 5, 2006.</ref> | Helen died on April 28, 2006, in Greenwich, Connecticut, at the age of 63 <ref name=nyw>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9402E2DE133AF936A35756C0A9609C8B63 Helen Armstrong] ''[[New York Times]]'', May 5, 2006.</ref> | ||
== Personal life == | == Personal life == | ||
Armstrong was widowed by her first husband, Alan Cohen in 1978. They had two children together: daughter Debbie Howser and son David Cohen.<ref name=nyw/> She married investment banker [[Ajit Hutheesing]], the nephew of [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], India's first Prime Minister, in 1996.<ref>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9800E4DD163DF937A15752C1A960958260 Ajit Hutheesing, Helen E. Armstrong] at ''[[New York Times]]'', November 24, 1996.</ref> Hutheesing | Armstrong was widowed by her first husband, Alan Cohen in 1978. They had two children together: daughter Debbie Howser and son David Cohen.<ref name=nyw/> She married investment banker [[Ajit Hutheesing]], the nephew of [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], India's first Prime Minister, in 1996.<ref>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9800E4DD163DF937A15752C1A960958260 Ajit Hutheesing, Helen E. Armstrong] at ''[[New York Times]]'', November 24, 1996.</ref> Hutheesing was a member of the [[Nehru–Gandhi family|Nehru-Gandhi political family]] and died on 8 December 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Obituary: Ajit Hutheesing|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/greenwichtime/obituary.aspx?pid=187531164|publisher=[[Greenwich Time (newspaper)|Greenwich Time]]|accessdate=19 February 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219053159/http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/greenwichtime/obituary.aspx?pid=187531164|archivedate=19 February 2018|date=17 December 2017}}</ref> | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
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[[Category:2006 deaths]] | [[Category:2006 deaths]] | ||
[[Category:Juilliard School alumni]] | [[Category:Juilliard School alumni]] | ||
[[Category:Musicians from Rockford, Illinois]] | [[Category:Musicians from Rockford, Illinois]] | ||
[[Category:Nehru–Gandhi family]] | [[Category:Nehru–Gandhi family]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:American women classical violinists]] | ||
[[Category:20th-century American women musicians]] | |||
[[Category:20th-century women musicians]] | |||
[[Category:Classical musicians from Illinois]] | [[Category:Classical musicians from Illinois]] | ||
[[Category:20th-century American classical violinists]] | |||
Latest revision as of 19:24, 21 December 2024
Helen Armstrong | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | March 16, 1943 |
| Died | April 28, 2006 (aged 63) |
| Education | Juilliard School |
| Occupation | Violinist |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | Debbie Howser & David Cohen |
Helen Armstrong (March 16, 1943 – April 28, 2006) was the founder and artistic director of Armstrong Chamber Concerts Inc (ACC),[1] a non-profit, chamber music organization she founded in 1984. The creation and development of ACC was inspired by Avery Fisher and Skitch Henderson, who advised Ms. Armstrong that her new artistic mission should be to broaden public interest and knowledge of chamber music through performance and education. The heart of this mission has been to bring musical education to public and private schools through its unique Students’ Music Enrichment Program. More than 100,000 students have participated in this program in Litchfield and Fairfield counties, and in Harlem and the Bronx.
She developed ACC’s reputation by building a roster of more than 100 world-renowned-artists, many whom contributed to the education programs. Her dedication, artistry and love of music and musicians inspired all those who met her and performed with her, including Itzhak Perlman, Skitch Henderson, Martha Graham, Peter Duchin, Kathie Lee Gifford, Christopher Dodd, Ezra Laderman and June Dunbar.
Early life[edit | edit source]
Armstrong was born in Rockford, Illinois, on March 16, 1943, to Dr. Robert Bruce and Hannah Armstrong. She first held a violin at the age of 3, with her mother as her teacher.[2] She arrived in New York City, during which time she studied under Ivan Galamian and Dorothy DeLay. She eventually attended the Juilliard School in pursuit of a solo career.
She made her Lincoln Center debut in 1976 and went on to perform with orchestras such as the Boston Pops, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the New Polish Philharmonic, and the Martha Graham Dance Company.
Career[edit | edit source]
Armstrong’s career as an international virtuoso violinist was interrupted by the long illness and eventual death of her first husband, Alan Cohen. Armstrong turned her talents largely towards achieving the mission of ACC while occasionally performing on the international stage. During the past 22 years, her focus had been concert performances in elegant private homes in Greenwich, in other venues in Washington, D.C., and New Milford, as well as at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In addition, she built a sterling reputation as a teacher by committing the talents of top artists to her educational mission.
Armstrong, who was a prizewinner in the Tibor Varga International Violin Competition in Switzerland and has received awards from the Society of American Musicians and Outstanding Artists of Illinois, is listed in Who's Who in the East, Who's Who in American Women, Outstanding Young Women of America and Who’s Who in Entertainment. She has recorded on the Musical Heritage, Elysium and CRS labels — Reflections, on the Elysium label and the newest CD, Illusions, on CRS, which was recently released. Her violin, a J.B. Guadagnini, dated 1760, was one of her great loves.
Late in her life, Bruce Swedien, convinced her to join him in producing a popular music recording. Although they were able to produce early cuts of the recording, she died before it could be completed.
Helen died on April 28, 2006, in Greenwich, Connecticut, at the age of 63 [3]
Personal life[edit | edit source]
Armstrong was widowed by her first husband, Alan Cohen in 1978. They had two children together: daughter Debbie Howser and son David Cohen.[3] She married investment banker Ajit Hutheesing, the nephew of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, in 1996.[4] Hutheesing was a member of the Nehru-Gandhi political family and died on 8 December 2017.[5]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ CONNECTICUT GUIDE New York Times, February 25, 1990.
- ↑ Want Some Musicians To Visit? Here's a Way New York Times, July 23, 2000.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Helen Armstrong New York Times, May 5, 2006.
- ↑ Ajit Hutheesing, Helen E. Armstrong at New York Times, November 24, 1996.
- ↑ "Obituary: Ajit Hutheesing". Greenwich Time. December 17, 2017. Archived from the original on February 19, 2018. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
Photos[edit | edit source]
-
Helen Armstrong at age 3 -
Helen Armstrong -
Helen Armstrong and her mother Hannah -
Parents: Hannah and Robert Bruce Armstrong -
Helen & Alan Cohen (1965) -
Helen Armstrong with husband Alan Cohen and daughter Debbie Howser (1967) -
Helen Armstrong and Skitch Henderson -
Helen Armstrong -
Helen & Ajit's Wedding in India (1996) -
Helen Armstrong -
Kathie Lee Gifford - Helen Armstrong - Debbie Howser -
Helen Armstrong performing in 2006
