Temple Painter dead at 83

Temple Painter, organist and harpsichordist, died August 6. He was 83. Born June 14, 1933, in Pulaski, Virginia, Painter was a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music. He performed as solo organist with members of the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center under Hermann Scherchen, as harpsichord soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy, and as solo harpsichordist for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. He performed as solo pianist, harpsichordist, and organist with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and concertized extensively in the United States, Europe, and Israel.

Painter was for 40 years the harpsichordist for the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and for 45 years the organist at Congregation Adath Jeshurun, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. Painter was also served as associate professor of music at Haverford College from 1969 to 1982, and lecturer in music at both Immaculata University and Temple University. Among his several recordings, “Temple Painter-Harpsichord Recital” (Artia-Parliament label, 1962) was cited by the New York Times in 1964 as “the most satisfying” of five harpsichord recordings reviewed that year. Painter also championed the music of American composer Harold Boatrite, recording his harpsichord music and commissioning his Harpsichord Concerto.

Temple Painter is survived by friends and extended family.