ASO Principal Clarinet Remembers Robert Shaw’s Humility

Thirty-four years later, she still holds that position at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Ardan also sits in the endowed Robert Shaw Chair.

“Most musicians who worked with [Shaw] realized that he was much more comfortable with the chorus,” Ardan said. “Having said that, I think that his complete vulnerability with the instrumental of the orchestra created a kind of awe among the musicians, where they knew he wasn’t completely secure with what he was doing, but they knew his musical intent was correct and serious and profound.”

For Ardan, Shaw was a grandfatherly figure, who nurtured the inherent talent of young musicians. She also valued Shaw for his commitment, integrity and humility.

“He was such a great humanitarian,” she remembered. “He was trying to make the music accessible to everybody through the composer … It was as if he saw the human quality in the music and made sure that got to the people.”