BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Donald Spieth, 81, well known Moravian University educator and conductor of the school’s orchestra, died Sept. 1 at his home in Bethlehem.
Spieth continued to teach and led the Moravian University Orchestra in its early fall semester rehearsals as recently as last week, according to Michael Corr, Moravian’s assistant vice president of marketing and communications.
Spieth came to Bethlehem in 1967 as a National Teaching Fellow at Moravian — then Moravian College — and founded the orchestra that same year. He proceeded to become a fixture in the Lehigh Valley musical community.
Beyond the Valley, Spieth as music director of the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra led highly acclaimed New York performances at both Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
Spieth held undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Iowa, and studied conducting at The Juilliard School.
Moravian University President Bryon Grigsby said Spieth will be missed.
“Maestro Spieth was an educator in the truest sense of the word, known to colleagues and students for his choice of repertory, his expressivity, efficiency and patience with differing levels of ability,” Grigsby said in a prepared statement.
“Moravian, and our students, have been extremely fortunate to have a man of his talent and generous spirit as a member of the music department.”
A former student, as well, remembered Spieth fondly.
“Don was a wonderful teacher and mentor,” said Moravian University Provost Carol Traupman-Carr, a former violinist in the college orchestra under Spieth and his former work-study student.
“Perhaps no single person elevated the level of orchestral ensembles in the Lehigh Valley more than Don Spieth. The impact he has had on the Moravian and Lehigh Valley musical communities cannot be overstated.”
Spieth is survived by his widow, Llyena Boylan; sons Shawn and Stow; grandchildren Jordan, Ellie and Steven; two great-grandchildren, and stepdaughter Alexis Boylan and stepson Gabriel Boylan.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, in the sanctuary of Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem.
