Condolence correspondence to J. Rishel. S, June-September 2008

This sub-subseries documents much of the worldwide response generated by d'Harnoncourt's unexpected death. Papers pertaining to the nearly one dozen events held in her memory and the hundreds of condolence cards and letters that poured into the Museum and to her husband comprise the bulk of the material. To console the grief of so many and to celebrate her life, the Museum honored d'Harnoncourt with several special events that are here documented in various degrees. The two events attended by the largest crowds are those best documented; namely the "Day of Appreciation" held two and one-half weeks after her death, and "Celebrating the life and legacy of Anne d'Harnoncourt," held on what would have been her sixty-fifth birthday. Special programming for the June 19 day of appreciation consisted of a tribute held in the auditorium for invited staff and guests followed by an outdoor memorial service held on the Museum's east terrace and opened to the public. The files hold cards and programs distributed at the event, invitation lists and other working papers. Also included is a CD that was given to Museum visitors that day. On it is the audio tour, "Director's Delights," narrated by d'Harnoncourt in which she talks about some of her favorite works of art at the Museum. On September 7, 2008, the Academy of Music in center city Philadelphia served as the site to "Celebrating the life and legacy of Anne d'Harnoncourt. A DVD is included in the records, capturing the music and remarks presented to the approximately 2,000 attendees. The length of the recorded program is 1 hour and 17 minutes. Other materials consist of planning documents, typescripts of some of the remarks given or read, as well as a sample of the invitation and program booklet, which included an illustrated biographical sketch of d'Harnoncourt. The correspondence following the special event files consists of the letters of condolence and donations sent to the Museum, the Museum's gift acknowledgement letters and the sympathy cards and notes sent to Joseph Rishel.