"For over 30 years, this town has been uniquely blessed to have the talents of the Haddonfield Symphony, and especially Arthur Cohn," Tarditi said. He and his wife, Barbara, have been longtime ticket-holders.
"By hosting this orchestra we are the envy of many other towns," Tarditi said. "This is just a chance to pause and congratulate an organization which not only serves all South Jersey, but also has contributed so much to the cultural nature of this town."
Cohn, 81, of Manhattan, arrived in Haddonfield 35 years ago to take over a fledgling group of talented, enthusiastic, eager-to-perform musicians. He shaped that group into the widely known and respected musical organization the Haddonfield Symphony is today.
Under his direction, the symphony has become noted for adventurous programming, which includes not only the lesser-known works of the masters, but also works of contemporary composers.
"Arthur Cohn has dedicated his entire life to the Haddonfield Symphony," said Dorothy Rivers, the symphony's executive director. "He's been coming here from New York for more than 30 years to rehearse and conduct this orchestra. And he's made us a very well-known entity."
William Tomar, president of the symphony's board of directors, agreed. "We are known as one of the best orchestras of our type in the country. That is directly due to Arthur Cohn, who is certainly nationally and internationally known in his own right. We are so proud to have had a man of his stature at the head of the Haddonfield Symphony for so many years."
Cohn will play a major role in picking his successor from among five candidates who, throughout a season dubbed "Passing the Baton," have been conducting the Haddonfield Symphony in programs of their own choosing.
