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Catherine Gotthoffer Obituary

April 12, 1923 - December 29, 2014 Catherine passed away peacefully Dec. 29 at the age of 91 at her home in Hermosa Beach, CA. She graduated with honors from the Julliard School of Music, and had an extremely successful career as a professional harpist. Along with her husband Robert, she played in the Dallas Symphony for eight seasons and after that she moved to Los Angeles to work under contract with MGM studios. Over her 36 year career she participated in the scoring of over 2,000 motion pictures, recorded with classical and jazz greats, played for television dramatic series, variety shows, Academy Award and Grammy presentations. The Los Angeles Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences voted her "Most Valuable Player" for two consecutive years. She was one of the founders of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Harp Society, and served as the National President for six years. She also served as the 1st Secretary-Treasurer of the World Harp Congress, and as an officer of the American Federation of Musicians Union Local 47. She is survived by her beloved husband of 70 years, Robert; children Ann and Richard, grandchildren Russell, Samuel, Jason and Rachel.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Jan. 4, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Gotthoffer

9 Entries

February 5, 2015

Dear Catherine, you will always be remembered and missed. Fondly, Louise

Barbara Myers

February 3, 2015

Remembering Catherine

Stephanie Bennett

January 20, 2015

Catherine was generous with her support and encouragement of other harpists, myself included! She was always a ray of sunshine at Harp Society meetings. She will be missed.

Artie Kane

January 20, 2015

When I was first hired as the Pianist at MGM, Catherine was the staff Harpist, and calmed my nerves by her friendly nature.....Some Composers at that time called musicians by their instrument names......not very personal
Catherine was called "Harp" and so she called me "Piano" .....She made my nervousness controllable by her friendly nature. One great Lady....and wonderful musician
I'm ever grateful.

Susan Allen

January 20, 2015

"Mrs. G" as we always called her, was one of my major teachers. She was a wonderful musician, harpist and human being and will be remembered with great fondness. I am sorry to lose her sage counsel and warm friendship.

Delaine Fedson Leonard

January 20, 2015

Dear Catherine, May your light forever shine through your musical legacy.

Rosemary Graham-Gardner

January 18, 2015

Dear Catherine, I did not know you personally but for the last 44 years, I used to wave at you while walking by your house on the strand, starting with my boy in his pram and you used to wave back with a huge smile. When I did not see you after the holidays, I knew you had left for a different orchestra.. Talked to your wonderful husband yesterday who told us all about you..Bon voyage dear Catherine! I will view the mentioned movies in a different way now and will be thinking about you while listening to the music. Incidentally, Harp is my all time favourite instrument.

January 17, 2015

Thank you Katie! Ann Gotthoffer

Katie Kirkpatrick

January 4, 2015

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to study with Mrs. G (what we were allowed to call her) as a freshman in the Class of 1970, the first school year at the newly opened California Institute of the Arts. She generously loaned me one of her harps for gigs when I was temporarily without one during that time. She was a Grand Lady and impeccable musician.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

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