NORMAN BLACK
Born in 1907, Norman Black received his first violin at the age of six and within a short time was recognized as a child prodigy. So began a career that spanned seven decades. Some of the highlights of his career include:
- More than seventy years performing as a violinist.
- 16-year career as a local radio celebrity as a violinist, conductor, and music arranger including 10 years as station WFIL’s Music Director.
- Weekly on-air concerts of Norman Black and the WFIL Radio Orchestra broadcast on the ABC Radio Network and broadcasts on the ABC TV Network.
- Conductor and founder of the Philadelphia Symphonetta, the Arco Arte Symphonetta, and the Norman Black String Ensemble.
- 60 years as a violin teacher.
- 22 years as a violinist in the Philadelphia Orchestra.
- Resigned from the Philadelphia Orchestra just before his 65th birthday to take a stand against forced retirement.
Throughout this website are photographs, news clippings, memorabilia and recordings of the music of Norman Black.