The Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra will present a concert this weekend in memory of musician James Tuozzolo, who collapsed and later died at a GTSO concert on New Year’s Eve.
By: Jim Boyle
TRENTON On New Year’s Eve of 2000, Trenton lost one of its talented treasures. James Tuozzolo collapsed on stage following his trumpet solo during a Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra concert and later died from a heart attack.
In memory of Mr. Tuozzolo, a dedicated member of the community and the orchestra, the GTSO will present a tribute on March 18 at the Trenton War Memorial Theater. There will be two concerts at 3 and 7 p.m., honoring the musician, who served as the organization’s principal trumpeter for 35 years. The shows will be split into two parts. The first is the tribute, the second, a selection of music to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The show will also have a guest appearance by Agustin Anievas, an accomplished pianist and Mr. Tuozzolo’s brother-in-law.
"It is our annual St. Patrick’s Day concert," conductor John Holly says. "However, we knew we had to do something for James."
Mr. Holly, a Juilliard graduate, has been a conductor with GTSO for 11 years, and was conducting the orchestra on the night Mr. Tuozzolo died. The theme for the show was 100 Years of Broadway. The concert ended with the song "In the Mood," which featured two saxophone solos followed by a trumpet solo. After Mr. Tuozzolo finished his part, he collapsed.
"Because it was the holiday show," Mr. Holly says, "we had some original members missing. We brought in some substitutes, and I had most of my attention directed toward them. I had to give them the right cues. I didn’t see James fall, I just heard a loud noise. I thought something fell. It wasn’t obvious what happened."
Doctor and cellist Donald Brodie administered CPR, while French horn player Craig Smith called paramedics from his cell phone. Mr. Tuozzolo was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The community not only lost a gifted performer, but an involved member of the orchestra.
"He was one of the most prominent musicians," says Mr. Holly. "He played in many local orchestras and was a member of the boards. He wrote the contracts for all the musicians."
Mr. Tuozzolo studied music at Juilliard and earned his master’s degree from the prestigious school. He went on to earn his doctorate from the University of Miami. He then spent time playing professionally in New York City before moving to New Jersey.
"His uncle owned a paving business," says Mr. Holly. "It got into some financial trouble, and James felt it was necessary to move here and help out his family."
Joining the orchestra as the first chair in the brass section, Mr. Tuozzolo immediately had an effect on the orchestra.
"He had a first-rate musical background," Mr. Holly says. "Anyone with a doctorate knows about style, subtleties, articulation and interpretation. He helped all the other brass players and made suggestions to them."
Keeping with his tradition of helping other trumpet players, the GTSO is starting the James Tuozzolo Fund for Musical Education. Donations will help the orchestra reach out to brass players in the area and help develop their talent.
The Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra will present its Tribute to James Tuozzolo at the Trenton War Memorial Theater, W. Lafayette and Barrack streets, Trenton, March 18 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15-$30. For information, call (609) 396-5522.
For directions to the Trenton War Memorial Theater, click here.