Our beloved Board member and one of the great musical artists and teachers in the field of organ performance, Michael Stairs, passed away on August 11, 2018.
Michael, beyond his artistry as a musician, was a man of sterling character. He exemplified truly exceptional human qualities of modesty and compassion for others. He brought these qualities and keen insight to his work on behalf of the Foundation.
One of Michael’s final acts on behalf of The Presser Foundation was to designate his special directed grant to the benefit of students at the Curtis Institute. He gave his time generously and willingly to the work of the Foundation, serving on the Board for thirty-three years, and was an exemplary committee chair, most recently of the Advancement of Music Committee. We shall all miss him, his wisdom, his gentle manner, and the beauty he brought to so many performances.
