Andrew Meltzer, musical adviser and resident conductor with the San Francisco Opera, died in 1988 at the age of 40 of complications due to AIDS.
Andy Meltzer was a friend and a political ally. He was a "connie" who rose to become the resident conductor of the San Francisco Opera, debuting in 1974 when he conducted Cavalli's L'Ormindo. He was a rising star.
At age 39 he entered a blind test for AZT, but he was one of the participants given a placebo [see next-to-last paragraph]. He was switched to AZT at age 40, but it was too late. Andy, you should still be with us now. (Submitted by Matt Rinaldi)
Max Bragado-Darman
The way I remember it, is that we both were in the same orchestral conducting class fighting, tooth and nail, to have the orchestral conducting degree recognized and accepted by the Conservatory administration as well as Oberlin College, as a Master's Degree in Arts. We succeeded in our endeavors and graduated with the first degree of its kind at Oberlin. In fact, we stayed five years at Oberlin and also graduated with th M.M. in 1970. We both were stubborn and natural fighters and sporadically, remained in touch following each other's professional breaks. By far my superior, I don't have any doubt that Andy would have been a great and worldwide recognized conductor if he had not suffered such a cruel end.
Max Bragado - Darman
(Currently and not for long)
Music Director
Monterey Symphony, California
Deidre Schupack (Carr)
I remember Andy as chief raconteur of the Salon, aka the Conservatory Lounge. I can still hear his stories told with biting wit amidst the Lounge’s ever present cloud of cigarette smoke. I worked with Andy many times in Oberlin performances with him as conductor. Outstanding in my mind was the opera ‘Ormindo’. A most talented man. He left us too soon.
Tom Witheridge
Andy was a bridge between the College and the Conservatory. I didn't know the details of his passing until now (thanks, Matt). What a loss to the music world and to all who knew and loved him. We'll never know, but maybe, just maybe, if he'd been in the experimental group instead of the control group, he'd be with us today. A good man.