On the passing of Charles Wadsworth
Star pianist and arts administrator dies at 96
Official Statement from the S.C. Arts Commission
Like so many literally around our world, the South Carolina Arts Commission learned, with sadness, of the passing of Charles Wadsworth at 96 on May 29.
The Georgia-born and Juilliard-trained Wadsworth was a star of the piano who brought chamber music into the mainstream. He ran series dedicated to it in Spoleto, Italy (1960-1979) and in Charleston at Spoleto Festival USA (1979-2009), making him noteworthy as an artist and arts administrator. He and his hard work were credited with keeping the American festival afloat during lean times, allowing it to become what it is today. His death occurred, coincidentally, as the festival for which he labored some 30 years enjoys its annual run.
These things and plenty more contributed to his being awarded what is now known as the South Carolina Governor’s Award for the Arts in 2006 by the S.C. Arts Commission.
The SCAC extends warm and sincere condolences to the surviving members of Wadsworth’s family, his wife Susan and their children and grandchildren, with gratitude for his vast and enduring contributions to art and culture in South Carolina and beyond.
- Obituary from Spoleto Festival USA.
- Post & Courier coverage (subscription possibly required)
