Pianist and Conductor Mimi Stern-Wolfe has Died, Aged 84

The New York-based musician and cultural activist was an advocate for socially provocative repertoire and American composers

Stern-Wolfe was the founder of Downtown Music Productions (DMP), a nonprofit organization that housed performing ensemble Downtown Chamber and Opera Players. This ensemble played in the East Village Concert Series, of which Stern-Wolfe was music director. 

Born in 1937, she was a graduate of Queens College and the New England Conservatory, before moving to Paris to study with Nadia Boulanger. Stern-Wolfe later served as conductor and vocal coach for the Lake George Opera and the Aspen Music Festival.

She also featured in a musical documentary film on the HIV/AIDS epidemic titled: "All The Way Through Evening," by Australian filmmaker Rohan Spong, which showed her efforts in curating the annual Benson AIDS Concerts since 1990.

A recipient of multiple awards, she held two ASCAP Country Music Awards, the "Laurel Leaf," the 2014 Lower East Side Community Hero Award, and a Clara Lemlich Award for her concerts and social activism. 

Additionally, she created "The Children’s Musical Theatre," which brought music to those of New York's Lower East Side for over 40 years. 

Our condolences are with Ms. Stern-Wolfe’s family, friends, and colleagues.