This past Sunday, I had the honor of playing in a flute choir for the memorial service of former professor of flute at Butler University, Loretta Contino. Although I never studied privately with her, her legacy was still very strong at the time that I attended Butler, and I heard so many share their personal stories of the impact that she had on a generation of flute students there and in Ohio. Here is her obituary from the Indianapolis Star:
Loretta Contino, 77, died June 25, 2017. Loretta was preceded in death by her husband Charles Contino. She is survived by her daughter Lin Lehmkuhl, grandchildren Dustin and Jessica, and companion Lawrence Cooney. Loretta spent her life studying, playing, and teaching the flute. She had music degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Butler University. Early in her career she was flute instructor at Franklin College and St. Joseph’s College, but spent over 30 years teaching flute at Butler University. Loretta played in many different musical organizations and performed all over the world with the American Flute Orchestra. She was a well-respected scholar and wrote many articles on the instrument. She will be remembered as a wonderful musician and teacher by her many students and colleagues. A memorial service was held at 3:00 on Sunday, September 24th in the Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall on the campus of Butler University.
Please enjoy this beautiful recording of Loretta playing Amalia’s Adagio from the Sonata in F Major.