Former Pittsburgh Symphony Bass Trombonist Passes Away

Word has been received that one of the giants of the bass trombone world has passed away this weekend. Murray Crewe (1960-2017) was the bass trombone of the Pittsburgh Symphony from 1993 to 2016. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Murray began his bass trombone studies at the University of British Columbia, studying under Douglas Sparkes of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

After completing his degree in 1982, Murray went to Chicago to continue his studies with members of the legendary Chicago Symphony low brass section. His first professional orchestra job was with the Orchestre Symphonique de Quebec. In 1987, Murray became the bass trombonist of the Utah Symphony which made him the first Canadian to win a major American orchestra bass trombone position.

After two years with Utah, Murray joined the Toronto Symphony, a position he held for four years. In 1993, he won the audition for bass trombone of the Pittsburgh Symphony. It was during this time that the brass section began to elevate to new heights under the batons of Lorin Maazel, André Previn, Marriss Jansons, and Manfred Honeck.

In addition to performing with Pittsburgh, Murray was a very well known teacher at both Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon University. Many of his students have gone on to win orchestra and teaching positions throughout the world.

Murray lived in Pittsburgh with his wife Linda, and two children, Ralph and Emilie.

As a student in Pittsburgh, I had many encounters with Murray. Throughout this week, there will be tributes, quotes, and videos highlighting a fantastic career by an extraordinary person.

Murray, you will be missed.

Read this article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette