League of American Orchestras Announces Ford Musician Community Awards

Five orchestral musicians will be awarded at the League’s 76th National Conference, to be held online from June 7-17, 2021

The Ford Musician Awards for Excellence in Community Service recipients are Sean Claire, Jeremy Crosmer, Lorien Benet Hart, Miho Hashizume, and John Turman.

Sean Claire is awarded for his work in the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s Music & Wellness program. He joined the orchestra in 1990.

Joining Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 2017, cellist Jeremy Crosmer is recognized for his contribution to Kadima Mental Health Services’ Creative Expressions Program.

A violinist in Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra since 2001, Lorien Benet Hart developed the PSO Musicians' partnership with 412 Food Rescue.

Miho Hashizume joined The Cleveland Orchestra in 1995. She taught front-porch lessons and schoolyard classes during the pandemic as part of the orchestra’s violin program.

A horn player for the Seattle Symphony since 2015, John Turman is the host and executive producer of the symphony's early music education program "Tiny Tots" and its online companion.

“The musicians we see on stage making great music together in an orchestra are all treasured individual members of their communities,” said League President and CEO Simon Woods in the League's press release.

“Many of them are using their talents and humanity to teach, to inspire, and to draw out the power of music for comfort and healing. This award honors that work, and the incredible generosity of spirit that underpins it.”