Rockefeller University’s Tri-I Noon Recitals Director John Gerlach has Died

Gerlach served as director of the popular concert series for 35 years

John Gerlach studied piano and double bass at pre-college piano and went on to study neuroendocrinology and behavior. He conducted research at Rockefeller University and taught at the New School University.

From 1986, he co-directed, then directed and produced, the Tri-Institutional Noon Recitals — a weekly series of free concerts held in the 450-seat Caspary Auditorium at Rockefeller University.

In this role, Gerlach led the series’ bookings, publicity, funding, concert operations, and presentations. 

The Tri-I Noon Recitals has presented more than 1,000 concerts by over 4,000 emerging and renowned artists from the U.S. and abroad, representing a wide range of instruments, ensembles, and genres.

“Shocked and devastated to learn of John Gerlach’s passing,” posted Pink Noise Agency’s director Gregory Brown. “We were just chatting last week, about his restarting the Tri-I Noon concerts at Rockefeller University, his grandson going off to college, and the science of the brain. 

“Out of the blue, he even congratulated me on the success of Pink Noise. I had no idea it would be the last time I’d see him, I will miss him dearly. Thinking of Charles, Alexis, their son, and the extended Gerlach family during this heartbreaking time.

“It’s too soon to think about it now, but I am hopeful that the Tri-I Noon concerts will continue for years to come as a tribute to his incredible legacy and love of music,” Brown added. “As he told me, John ran these concerts during and after his work as a neuroscience researcher. it's going to need help from the Weill, Cornell, Sloan-Kettering, and Rockefeller University community of physicians, nurses, and researchers to sustain, as well as the NYC classical music community. John, wherever you are, I hope it’s full of music and friendship.”

VC Artist Stella Chen also posted on Facebook: “A beautiful smile on a wonderfully unique, kind person. RIP John Gerlach,” she wrote.

“We have unexpectedly lost an angel. John L. Gerlach was supportive, kind, generous, thoughtful, and too many other wonderful qualities to list,” added cellist Karlos Rodriguez on Facebook. “A true friend and lover of art and all genres of music. In addition to the thousands of concerts he presented, I believe he attended more performances than anyone I know. I’m so grateful to have spent time with him just last weekend having no idea it would be the last…an angel now with the angels.”