Remembering Joel Lish
This page includes memories and image sent to us by people who either knew Joel, or carry on his work today. If you wish to send your own tribute or picture, please send it to ContactPalisadesSymphony@gmail.com.
Memorial service held for Joel on June 29, 2024.
Download pdf of the program
Click to view video of the memorial.
Link to the orchestra's own obituary of Joel Lish, by Jan Kelley.
Message from the director of the Okinawa Symphony Orchestra
Okinawa, March 15, 2024
In memory of Joel B. Lish
In May 1956 Joel Lish picked up the baton as the inaugural
conductor of the “Chamber Orchestra,” the predecessor of the
Okinawa Symphony Orchestra.
The Chamber Orchestra, which was established during Joel
Lish’s short two-year deployment in Okinawa, proudly continues
its activities as the Okinawa Symphony Orchestra, contributing
to the classical music scene of the island.
I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for Maestro
Lish’s efforts in starting an orchestra in a foreign land when
he was only in his 20s, playing instruments alongside local
residents, and
tirelessly working to transcend language barriers and spread
the culture of orchestral music in Okinawa.
Joel Lish’s name will forever be etched in the history of the
Okinawa Symphony Orchestra.
On behalf of the Okinawa Symphony Orchestra, I would like to
express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and
colleagues.
Sincerely,
Kaoru Zukeyama (viola)
Director of the Okinawa Symphony Orchestra
An Obituary by Gwynn Lewis: "Maestro’s Legacy
of Love and Beauty"
In loving memory of Maestro Joel B. Lish, a virtuoso
conductor, and beloved patriarch who dedicated his life to the
art of music and the warmth of family and friends. He managed
both generously with steadfast love and a bounty of gladness.
Whether he was teaching, performing, composing, arranging or
conducting—he generated vivid feeling and dopamine! I believe
he enjoyed his path very much as was clearly evidenced on
Maestro’s face—his countenance radiated such sweetness and
enjoyment when he conducted.
Born on March 11, 1935, Joel’s musical career began early,
graduating from high school at age 16 and embarking on a path
that would shape the cultural and educational landscape of our
community. Joel's commitment to his art took him from the
halls of the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music to his
enlisting into the United States Air Force, where his talent
flourished, leading ultimately to the creation of the Okinawa
Symphony. His love for conducting blossomed during this time.
After completing his military service, Joel pursued higher
education and earned a Master’s Degree in Music Education from
California State University, Northridge. As a professional
violist and studio musician, Joel lent his talents to
countless recordings and films, leaving an indelible mark on
the entertainment industry. In 1965, Joel became head of the
Music Department at Palisades High School setting the stage
for the founding of the Palisades Symphony Orchestra, Inc. the
following year, 1966. Under his charismatic leadership, the
orchestra flourished, becoming a beacon of cultural enrichment
in our community. His influence on education and orchestral
performance is profound. His love for music was infectious and
his legacy will live on through the countless lives he
touched.
Joel’s legacy goes beyond the notes on a score; it lives on in
the memories he created, the friendships he forged, and the
love he shared. He filled our rehearsals and performances with
beautiful music and joy. His kindness touched the hearts of
all who knew him.
Joel’s family tenderly surrounded him creating an environment
of peace and love. His sons, Benjamin and Michael were at his
bedside when he died at home, March 5, 2024 at 7:30 AM. A
celebration of Joel’s extraordinary life will be held at
Palisades Lutheran Church sometime in the future where we will
confirm Maestro Lish’s power to resonate in the hearts of us
who were touched by his music, teaching, his kindness, and his
enduring love.
From Patrick Whelan
My quick funny Joel Lish story is that he loaned me a
sousaphone for six months once without a moment's
hesitation. I had played trumpet years earlier in his
after-school and summer orchestras. I dropped in on him
my senior year at Loyola High School, telling him that I had
started a pep band to play at the basketball games -- but that
all the volunteers were trumpet players. I have a memory
of him pulling out a huge sousaphone, and then playing a scale
for me to show me how easy it was.
Forty years later, when I moved back to the Palisades, I
started attending the Palisades Symphony concerts. I
told him I was teaching an online course at Harvard called
"Music and the Mind," based on the 1973 Norton Lectures of
Leonard Bernstein. He listened attentively, and then
said in his droll fashion, "I never really liked that guy --
too much theatricality on the podium." I wish I could
have spent more time with him, and regret I didn't join his
orchestra again in my 60s when I had the chance.