Posted by chicagomedia.org on July 02, 2009 at 15:45:45:
In Reply to: WFMT's Norman Pellegrini Dies posted by chicagomedia.org on July 02, 2009 at 15:44:44:
Norman Pellegrini: In Memoriam (July 18, 1929-July 2, 2009)
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of our colleague and friend, Norman Pellegrini. The longtime WFMT program director died early this morning. Norman was 79 years old.
A native of Chicago, Norman attended the University of Chicago and received a degree from Columbia College. He first joined WFMT founders Bernie and Rita Jacobs at radio station WOAK and continued to work with them after they launched WFMT in 1951. Norman became WFMT's program director in 1953, a post he held until 1996.
"No one in WFMT's 58 year history had more influence on WFMT's sound, style and programming than Norm Pellegrini, and he shaped that sound every day for the nearly 45 years he worked as our program director," said Steve Robinson, WFMT's general manager. "Over the decades, many have admired and praised the station's programming for its diversity, richness, breadth and integrity. All of those elements, and so much more, are Norm's legacy, and we honor him today and every day by our devotion to maintaining the standards he set so high. He will be missed."
Pellegrini hosted WFMT's Lyric Opera broadcasts in partnership with Lois Baum, and then Lisa Flynn, beginning in 1971 with a performance of Rossini's Semiramide. Norman also hosted broadcasts by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, beginning in 1976 and continuing into the 1990s. Listeners will also remember Norman as host of WFMT's Midnight Special for many years.
"Norman Pellegrini was the voice of Lyric Opera---and what a voice he was!" remarks Lyric Opera general director William Mason. "Norm was not only a man who knew opera---he loved opera. And all of us at Lyric loved him. We deeply mourn the passing of this cherished and admired member of the Lyric Opera and WFMT families," he adds.
"Norm Pellegrini's love of music, and his standards of quality, established the character of WFMT radio from its beginnings in the early 1950s. His passion for good music is still with us today," offers Andi Lamoreaux, WFMT's music director and a longtime friend and colleague. "Norm loved his native city, and most especially its musicians, always striving to find new outlets to showcase the excellence and variety of Chicago's musical life. His energy, enthusiasm, and dedication made him a colleague both demanding and inspiring. He will be missed, but his legacy will live at WFMT so long as the station is on the air."
A memorial service for Norman is being planned by his long-time partner, Donald Knight. It will be held on July 18th, on what would have been Norman's 80th birthday, at Mayfair Lutheran Church, 4335 Lawrence Avenue, in Chicago. More details will be shared on 98.7WFMT and wfmt.com as they become available.
WFMT listeners and family members are encouraged to share their remembrances of Norman Pellegrini. Messages can be recorded by calling 773-279-2174 or posted to WFMT's online message board (coming soon). These messages will be shared throughout the day on 98.7WFMT and here on wfmt.com.