Alvin M. Weinberg 4/20/15-10/18/06
ORCMA is pleased to dedicate tonight's concert to the memory of Alvin Weinberg, certainly Oak Ridge's most distinguished and honored citizen. One of the pioneers of nuclear energy, he was the director of ORNL from 1955-1973. He was the recipient of the Atoms for Peace Award, the Fermi Award, and he was a member of the National Academy of Engineering, The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society.
Throughout his life in Oak Ridge, Alvin was a strong supporter of arts in the community, and particularly the music programs. He was an enthusiastic pianist, and a number of times was the featured performer on ORCMA's Coffee Concerts. He continued to play for his own pleasure almost to the time of his death. One of the last “concerts” Alvin heard was by tonight's soloist, Orion Weiss. Weiss requested some extra practice time when he appeared here previously with the Perlman-Schmitt-Bailey trio. Alvin offered the use of his piano, and had a wonderful time hearing a preview of that night's concert. Thus, it is particularly appropriate that this concert is dedicated to his memory.