6 jan 1968 & ann hobson, nso harpist

#OTD Saturday 6 January 1968 Ann Hobson, a harpist, was a visiting member of the National Symphony Orchestra. By February, she would become an official member. The other NSO members pictured above are (from left):  Wallace Mann, flute; John Wunderlich, French horn; Ignatius Gennusa, clarinet; and Walter Jouval, oboe.

Ann Hobson followed Sylvia Meyer, who had been the harpist for the NSO since 1933. Meyer's final concert was in January. 

The NSO had been overrepresented by white males since its inception. Sylvia Meyer was the NSO's first female musician. And Ann Hobson was the NSO's first black musician.

Your comments are welcome below. Did you see Ann Hobson in concert with the NSO? Did you go to Sylvia Meyer's last concert? Were you a member of the NSO? You can also contact me privately here.

Photo source: DC Public Library Special Collections. 12 August 1967