A beloved Western New York musician has died unexpectedly.
Jared Jacobsen, the longtime organist and coordinator of sacred music and worship at the Chautauqua Institution was killed Tuesday in a car crash on Route 84 near Geneva, Ohio. He was 70 years old.
In a statement, Chautauqua Institution President Michael E. Hill said:
“While we await formal word of Jared’s wishes, we know our community is grieving this unspeakable loss. Many have described Jared and the music he masterfully created with the iconic Massey Memorial Organ at the Chautauqua Amphitheater as the “heart and soul” of Chautauqua. This sentiment speaks not only to Jared’s talent, but of his ever-presence during our summer assembly season, his untiring love for music, and his generous willingness to share his passions with Chautauquans across generations. His music ushered in each day, heralded the noontime and afternoon hours, and closed each Sunday evening of the summer assembly, keeping the time of a timeless community.
“He played his final service and concert on Sunday, August 25 — a service he curated and titled “Camp Meeting is Over.”
A memorial service for Jared Jacobson will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. in the Chautauqua Amphitheater.
Read more in the The Post-Journal here.
