We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Dewayne Pigg. Dewayne joined the NSO in 1971 and served as English Horn/Oboe until he stepped down in 1997. He was a Nashville native who attended Pearl-Cohn High School during the Civil Rights movement. During the orchestra shut-down in 1987, Dewayne served as our orchestra committee chair and our fearless spokesperson. He worked with musicians, city leaders, and celebrities to get our orchestra back on track. In addition to his duties with the NSO, Dewayne taught at Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State University where he impacted the lives of countless students.
Those of us who played with Dewayne remember him as a warm-hearted person with a wry sense of humor. His impact on the symphony and music education in Tennessee is an incredible legacy. Our condolences go to his wife Nancy and all of his family.