The end of a successful San Francisco Ballet Season always brings with it much cause to celebrate. This year, however, our enthusiasm is tinged by the realization that the 2014-2015 run will mark the last time we share the pit with one of our dear orchestra colleagues — Janice McIntosh. Having served for many years as our associate concertmaster, this season, Janice has decided to announce her retirement.

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Ever modest, we asked Janice to look back on her career with the SFBO and to tell us what happens next.

Musicians of the SFBO: What have been some particular highlights of your career with the ballet orchestra?

Janice McIntosh:  As far as career highlights are concerned, no single event comes to mind. However, I must say that being Roy’s stand partner for all these years was a continual highlight of the job for me.

Speaking of Roy….

Here’s a quote from Roy Malan to Janice on her retirement:

“You are every concertmaster’s dream assistant. You have it all: you’re a great violinist, a consummate professional and colleague, and possessed of limitless patience. After all, look how long you put up with me!”
“Enjoy your temporary respite, but don’t forget that, when you and your sister Carolyn buy your Santa Cruz beach cottage, we will have a ready-formed string quartet!” — Roy Malan

Note: Janice’s sister, Carolyn, is a cellist with the San Francisco Symphony, and Roy’s wife, Polly, is a violist.

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Musicians of the SFBO:  So, what’s next, Janice?

Janice McIntosh:  What’s next in life after ballet?  Well…lots of neglected house and garden projects, spending more time in the mountains at the family cabin, and…chamber music!

I’m looking forward to enjoying more time outdoors – hiking, tennis, hopefully a trip to France this fall, and getting a big dog or two!

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Musicians of the SFBO:  Congratulations, and thank you, Janice!  We wish you all the best and will surely miss you and your beautiful playing!

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Retirement Party For Janice McIntosh at the SF Ballet – May 3, 2015

Note: The pause button and arrows that appear as you hover over the above frame allow you to search and pause the images.)

(Photos: Mark Drury and Steven D’Amico)

More about Janice McIntosh:

Janice McIntosh has enjoyed quite an illustrious career as a musician. This includes having served for many years as the associate concertmaster for the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra and as a member of the 1st violin section of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra since 1983.