Ardath Wilnor Weck

Ardath Wilnor Weck was born on August 11, 1940 in New York and grew up in Darien, Connecticut. She graduated from Smith College in 1962 with a major in European history and a minor in music. Following graduation, she spent over two years in Europe, first in London and then Vienna, where she studied viola at the “Akademie für Musik”. Upon returning to the U.S., she continued her studies in New York with Harold Coletta.

Beginning the viola in 4th grade, she was accepted as one of the youngest players to be selected to Connecticut's All-State Orchestra.

Early in her music career, Ardath performed with the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota Symphonies. She joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in 1966, Robert Shaw’s first season as Music Director, and participated in virtually all of the Orchestra’s great milestones - the opening and closing ceremonies in the1996 Olympics, the first digital recording by an American Orchestra - as well as international tours and world premieres.

Ardath loved animals and donated generously to charities that protect wildlife and others such as the Atlanta Zoo and Botanical Gardens, ASPCA, the Metropolitan Opera and Smith College.

Ardath retired from the ASO in 2012 at the age of 71 ending a 46-year career in music. Always an energetic and active person, Ardath spent her retirement with her family and friends, traveling, taking computer classes, walking, and playing chamber music.

Ardath suffered brain trauma in December 2013 and passed away on March 18, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 73. She is survived by her two daughters, five granddaughters, two brothers, one sister, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was a dearly loved person who will be missed by all who knew her.

The memorial service will be held on April 12th at 1 o’clock at H. M. Patterson & Son - Spring Hill located at 1020 Spring Street in Atlanta.

The family is endowing a chair in the Atlanta Youth Orchestra in memory of Ardath. For those wishing to make a donation on behalf of Ardath, please contribute to the endowment fund we have started - payable to Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and in the margin write “in memory of Ardath Weck”.