September 4, 2022    NJIO is saddened to report that former NJIO Music Director and Trustee,

symphonic violin player and teacher Joseph Gluck, 87, of Maplewood, passed away at home on

July 28, 2022. Joe Gluck was an accomplished violinist, teacher, and conductor. He performed for

many years with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra first violin section.

Mr. Gluck served for several years on the NJIO Board of Trustees. In 2008 Mr. Gluck became the

fourth Music Director of NJIO, a position he held through May 2011. Under his direction NJIO

launched its Young Artist Concerto Competition and its Family Concert. NJIO also began its

Summer Chamber Music Program during his tenure. All of these initiatives are still an important

part of NJIO’s programs today.

In 2009 NJIO celebrated its 15th Anniversary with a concert at the Union County Performing Arts Center under the direction of Mr. Gluck featuring an intergenerational cello duo. The New Jersey State Council on the Arts presented NJIO with a Citation of Excellence that year.

In an interview in the New York Times from 2006, Mr. Gluck said he must “negotiate around musicians who rate themselves too highly, or too modestly. ‘I always try to encourage people to believe that if they are the strongest person in the group, it’s a wonderful opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise,’ he said.” This philosophy fit perfectly with NJIO’s mission of connecting people of all ages and abilities from diverse communities through music education and orchestral and chamber music performances.

More information about Mr. Gluck, a planned celebration of his life on September 11, and how to make donations in his memory may be found at the Jacob Holle Funeral Home website.