Paul Salamunovich
Message from the President
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April 3, 2014
It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Paul Salamunovich, emeritus professor of music in the College of Communication and Fine Arts. Paul, who was 86 years old, passed away Thursday of complications from West Nile virus, according to his obituary in the Los Angeles Times. He is credited with raising the level of music making on campus to the highest form of academic excellence, bringing national renown to the Loyola and LMU Choruses. An expert in Gregorian chant and a master clinician, he conducted or guest lectured at nearly 1,000 festivals, clinics, and workshops around the world. LMU’s Paul Salamunovich Award for Choral Excellence was established in his honor and is awarded annually to an outstanding graduating senior who has exhibited exemplary participation in the LMU choruses. Paul’s musical legacy includes his leadership of the Los Angeles Master Chorale from 1991 to 2001, where he is credited with helping shape it into one of the world's finest choirs. He also served as director of music at St. Charles Borromeo Church in North Hollywood from 1949 to 2009, leading the choir in their regular services as well as in high-profile performances, including singing for Pope John Paul II in a private audience at the Vatican. He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Dottie, their four sons, 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Memorial services are pending. Paul was a valued member of our community who will be greatly missed by those who knew him. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
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