From the Associated Press:
Robert Harth, who became the head of Carnegie Hall days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks and led America’s premier classical music venue into an adventurous new era, has died. He was 47.
The hall’s executive and artistic director was found dead Friday evening at his apartment near Carnegie Hall, said Ann Diebold, a spokeswoman at the hall. She said he suffered a heart attack.
Harth had planned to announce the hall’s new season on Tuesday, including the second year of programs at the Judy and Arthur Zankel Hall, the $72 million, 644-seat hall that sealed Harth’s reputation as a cutting-edge arts administrator.
Harth spearheaded an eclectic blend of programming at Zankel, from new classical compositions, jazz and rock to avant-garde theater that drew a wider audience than usually attends Carnegie performances.