Obituary

Brian F. Dallow (June 15, 1943-July 2, 2024)

Brian Dallow, pianist, composer, educator, and arts administrator, was born in London, England.He studied at the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music, the London School of Economics, Brandeis University, and Rutgers University.  He holds degrees in performance, composition and theory, and musicology. Brian taught music theory and composition at Rutgers University in New Jersey and at Temple University in Philadelphia.  He was the co-author of “Elemental Music Craft,” a music theory textbook published by Rutgers University Press, and his compositions include chamber music, incidental music for theatre and film, as well as musical scores for four musicals.

Brian was the President and Executive Director of Music For All Seasons, Inc.®, an organization co-founded with his wife, Rena Fruchter, who serves as Artistic Director. Music For All Seasons, Inc.® was created to bring the therapeutic power of live music to underserved audiences.  Brian was instrumental in launching an innovative new MFAS program, Voices of Valor®, in which military veterans alleviate their stress and trauma through song writing.

He was a founding co-chair of the Alliance for Arts and Health New Jersey and served on the Research Committee of the Global Alliance for Arts and Health. In addition to Music For All Seasons, Brian was the co-founder of two orchestras, the New York Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey (now The Discovery Orchestra).  In April of 1997 he was awarded a Certificate for “Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community” by the United States Congress.

Brian was recently honored for his fifty years as organist and choir director of Zion Lutheran Church in Rahway, New Jersey.

In addition to his professional activities, Brian enjoyed painting, sewing, and baking bread. He was an avid reader and fan of crossword puzzles. He loved traveling and being at the Nova Scotia summer home he shared with his wife and family. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren as often as possible.

Brian is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rena Fruchter, four children—Ruth Southland, Karen Burr, Joel Dallow (Amy McDougal), and Elise Verardi (Steven Verardi), and seven grandchildren—Cecily, Eric, and Jenna Dallow, Dvorah and Ariela Southland, and Mia and Ava Burr.

Donations may be made to Music For All Seasons at www.musicforallseasons.org