Karl E. Held, a dedicated advocate for the arts and a prominent producer, passed away from a heart attack on June 23 in New York City, shortly after attending a performance at Carnegie Hall. He was 63 years old.
Karl E. Held: A Legacy in the Arts
Karl E. Held, a dedicated advocate for the arts and a prominent producer, passed away from a heart attack on June 23 in New York City, shortly after attending a performance at Carnegie Hall. He was 63 years old.
Career Highlights
Held was a producer for the Tony Award-nominated 2009 Broadway production of Ragtime and most recently for the Off-Broadway hit Kowalski. The comedy, which explores the first meeting between Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando, ran at Duke on 42nd Street in January and February, with plans announced to move to Broadway.
Early Life and Contributions
Born on June 7, 1962, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Held divided his time between New York City, Hollywood, and his hometown. In 1990, he collaborated with Emmy Award-winning producer Roger Englander and Freddie Gershon of Music Theatre International to create a celebrated video series documenting the conception and creation of Broadway shows with their original creators. This series featured discussions on musicals, including works by George Gershwin, Stephen Sondheim, and Claude-Michel Schönberg.
Collaborations and Projects
Throughout his career, Held worked with esteemed institutions such as Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Hall, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. His producing credits extended to civic and cultural events, serving clients like the governors of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
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Legacy and Impact
In 2005, Held led the renovation of Gettysburg’s historic Majestic Theater, transforming it into a state-of-the-art performing arts venue. He founded The Ambassadors Series at Gettysburg College and produced numerous significant events, including the Governor’s Arts Awards.
Held is survived by his brother, Michael Held of Las Vegas. Memorial services will be held in both New York City and Gettysburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Adams County Arts Council or any organization supporting the arts.
