Dr. James Joseph Soluri, 72, of Becket, Massachusetts died on July 10th at
Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Born on August 10, 1933 in Niagara
Falls, son of Joseph and Margaret Morasco Soluri, he joined the faculty of
the Music Department at the State University of New York at Oswego in 1960
after earning a Ph. D. in Musicology from the University of Michigan.
During his forty years on the Oswego faculty, Jim worked with great energy,
creativity, and enthusiasm to nurture the arts and public education in
Oswego and beyond. "Doc" - as he was known to legions of undergraduates -
was passionate about fostering students' understanding of, and appreciation
for all kinds of musical genres. In addition to teaching courses in music
theory, he was active in both music and theatre. He directed Statesingers,
a college vocal group that, along with the Solid State instrumental
ensemble, thrilled audiences for years by performing original arrangements
of rock, jazz, gospel, and show tunes.
In 1962, he directed a production of "Kiss Me Kate," helping to initiate
the tradition of annual summer musicals at SUNY Oswego. In 1987, Jim
played a leading role in the creation of Lakeside Dinner Theatre, helping
to transform a college dining hall into a venue for vibrant summer theatre
on the shore of Lake Ontario.
He was chair of the Music Department from 1970-76; he also served on the
Board of Directors of the college's Auxiliary Services, where he played an
active role on the Student Scholarship Committee.
Jim's involvement with the arts extended beyond the college. In 1978 he
founded Oswego Opera Theatre. During his tenure as Artistic Director, the
company produced dozens of operas in addition to galas and children's
performances. He worked to foster an appreciation of opera by mounting
productions that featured young professional performers as well as local
singers including students. In addition, he served as both an auditor and
a panelist for the Music Division of the New York State Council of the Arts.
He was one of the organizers of Oswego's Harborfest and chaired the Music
and Entertainment Committee from 1987 - 2000. He also served as a judge
for Harborfest's "Battle of the Bands," an event that featured young area
musicians. In addition, he shared his talents as a both an accompanist and
an educator with students and teachers throughout the Oswego School
District for many years.
Following his retirement, Jim relocated to the Berkshires where his passion
for the arts and education continued to be expressed through his election
to the School Committee for the Central Berkshire Regional School District,
his musical direction of high school theatre productions, and his
participation on the board of directors of local arts and theatre
organizations.
Jim was an avid tennis player, reader, restaurant enthusiast, and traveler.
His spirit lives on with Sally Soluri, his wife of 48 years; their
children, Barbara, Robert, and John; their spouses Philip, DeAnna, and Amy;
his grandchildren, Jonathan, James, Lucia, and Marielle; and his brother
Paul.
A memorial celebration will be held at 4:30pm on Saturday, August 12th in Waterman Theatre - Tyler Hall, at SUNY-Oswego. The Soluri family will host a wine and cheese reception immediately following in the lobby. The college will be providing a picnic supper that evening, after the reception, outside Hewitt Union for anyone who would like to have the opportunity to continue visiting with family and friends. A nominal fee for food and beverages will be charged. In
lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to any of the following: the Jim
"Doc" Soluri Scholarship Fund at SUNY Oswego c/o Development Office, 219
Sheldon Hall, Oswego, New York, 13126; the James Soluri Endowment Fund,
Oswego Opera Theatre, PO Box 3039, Oswego, NY 13126; or the Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 750, New York, NY 10131-0304.
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