Jill Pasternak, harpist and classical radio host and producer, passed away on July 26 in York, Pennsylvania, at the age of 91.
The Lyra Society in Philadelphia, of which she was a supporter, shared the following statement on social media: “Lyra Society is deeply saddened by the passing of Jill Pasternak, a beloved harpist, WRTI producer and radio host, and friend of Lyra. Jill’s authenticity, generosity, musicianship, and voice inspired all that knew her on and off air. Her legacy will continue to inspire the music we play and the community she so loved.”
Jill Margot Pasternak was born on March 9, 1934, in Newark, N.J., the daughter of Albert Aaron and Dorothy Vera Bengelsdorf, who were both pianists. Pasternak earned a bachelor’s degree in harp at The Juilliard School in 1955, studying with harpist and composer Marcel Grandjany.
Over the next few decades, she was principal harp for many ensembles, including groups such as City Center Ballet and Radio City Music Hall in New York, the Halifax Symphony Orchestra in Nova Scotia, the Orlando Symphony Orchestra in Florida, and the Kennett Symphony Orchestra in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. A former Fulbright Scholar, she also performed with many symphonic and chamber ensembles in recordings, on radio, on Broadway, and with groups in Philadelphia, where she would give occasional lectures on classical music.
Pasternak received her M.A. in Public Media from Montclair State University in 1981. Her years in broadcasting included stints on WMHT-FM in Schenectady, NY, and WQXR in New York City. She was also recognized by Women in Communications, earning its Sarah Award in Radio Broadcasting.
In 1997, Pasternak had been a host on WFLN, Philadelphia’s classical music station, for almost 50 years when the station abruptly canceled its classical programming. The next day, Temple University offered her the opportunity to continue broadcasting on its classical and jazz station WRTI, where she became a weekday afternoon classical host until her retirement in 2015.
—Adapted from a tribute published on July 27 by the radio station WRTI, written by Bruce Hodges and including information from Pasternak’s daughter Amy Hendry
