Longest-serving orchestra musician in North America retiring from Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's longest-serving violinist, Broddy Olson, is retiring after a final show this weekend.

The longest-serving orchestra musician in North America according to the local symphony is retiring after a 65-year career.

Broderyck Olson, 82, has been playing the violin with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) since 1961, nine years after his father co-founded it.

“Broddy’s dedication to music, his colleagues, and our community is extraordinary,” ESO president and CEO Anne-Marie Leenhouts-Petrov said.

“Generations of musicians and audience members have been touched by his passion for music, and we are deeply grateful for his remarkable service to the ESO and the city of Edmonton.”

Olson performed in thousands of concerts, appeared in all 48 broadcasts of ITV’s In Concert series, and participated in the 1971 album recording with English rock band Procol Harum, ESO said.

He will take his final bow at the Winspear Centre this weekend after The Magical Music of Harry Potter.

“After 65 years, I’m looking at it and saying, ‘OK, maybe it’s the time to pass the torch,’” Olson told CTV News Edmonton.

There are three shows left on Friday night, Saturday afternoon and night.

Tickets are available here.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Noah Rishaug