Deborah Holtz, 82, a violist and a member of Local 802 since 1968, died on Oct. 5, 2024.

Ms. Holtz graduated from University of Iowa, freelanced for various orchestras, and eventually won a chair with the Detroit Symphony. She later moved to NYC, where she played in Broadway orchestras and with the American Symphony before beginning a 25-year career with the MET Orchestra.

According to Ms. Holtz’s friends, she was devoted to the groups and causes she volunteered for, including the League of Women Voters. She was also passionate and knowledgeable about wines and was a fine collector. She enjoyed skiing, cycling, cooking, traveling and spending time at her house in upstate New York.

One of her friends was Barbara Sonies, a member of Local 802 for almost 40 years and the former concertmaster of Opera Philadelphia. Barbara met Deborah at the Aspen Music Festival in 1968. “We hit it off well,” remembers Barbara, and they later became roommates when Deborah moved to NYC. Barbara remembers Deborah’s “sincere and intense” enthusiasm and interest in all of her friends, particularly her musical friends. “When she believed in you, she really went to bat for you,” said Barbara. “She was extremely supportive of her younger musical colleagues.” Barbara and Deborah remained good friends over the years.  “She was a hardworking musician,” said Barbara. “She worked her way up through the ranks as a freelancer until she won her chair at the Met.”

Ms. Holtz was also a member of the Tzipora H. Jochsberger Society, an honor reserved for those “who have included Kaufman Music Center in their estate plans, making a difference during lifetimes and beyond.”

Those with additional memories of Ms. Holtz are welcome to send an e-mail to allegro@local802afm.org so we can add additional details to this tribute.