ViolaThomas Morgan

Longtime San Diego Symphony Orchestra violist Thomas Morgan passed away on October 21, 2018.

Throughout his 30-year career with the Orchestra, beginning in October of 1988, Tom was known and appreciated by his colleagues as a meticulous and elegant performer with a tremendous work ethic and a broad knowledge of the SDSO’s classical repertoire. Tom spent his San Diego career under the batons of Yoav Talmi, Jung- Ho Pak and Jahja Ling, as well as numerous internationally acclaimed guest conductors. He was also playing and giving critical feedback throughout the Orchestra’s recent music director search which resulted in the hiring of Music Director Designate Rafael Payare.

In his spare time Tom would occasionally freelance and teach privately. Before coming to San Diego, Tom earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music and his Master of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Earlier in his career he performed with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, the Tulsa Philharmonic, the Aspen Chamber Symphony, the Aspen Festival Orchestra and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

An avid and dedicated fan of all things Star Wars- and Star Trek-related, Tom took special joy in interactions with composers John Williams and Michael Giacchino during their recent San Diego Symphony visits. Tom was well known within the Symphony family for his wry, unique sense of humor, his frequent visits to San Diego Comic-Con and Star Trek conventions, his blue horse-hair bow and his love for coffee-dates with friends. He also enjoyed sharing his photography taken during frequent visits to area mountains and deserts. Tom will be deeply missed by his many friends and colleagues in the San Diego Symphony family, who wish to express their deepest condolences to his family.

A Celebration of Life for Thomas Morgan will be held December 3, 11am at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, Bard Hall, 298 W. Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92103.