The PCGS community expresses deep sadness following the passing of Tom Emery on Tuesday, August 6th, at the age of 70. Tom was a longstanding professional member of PCGS and a prominent figure in the Philadelphia Classical guitar scene. He was widely recognized not only as a talented performer on the classical guitar but also as a masterful wood craftsman, a mentor, a devoted father, and a husband. Tom’s gentle and caring nature left a lasting impact.
As a guitarist, he was a patient teacher and a wonderful performer. For a significant period, he collaborated with John Penn in a duo, an example of which can be viewed on YouTube (Tom Emery and John Penn in Concert in Coatesville 2004 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxz423_UX9o).
My first encounter with Tom’s live performances was during a PCGS Holiday Concert. Tom has a beautiful touch on the classical guitar, resulting in a warm, personal sound and a thoughtful stage presence. I remember thinking it sounded heavenly when he made his beloved Dominique Delarue concert guitar sing. During my visits to his home, Tom and I often enjoyed playing duets, and I cherished witnessing his performances at the Kimberton Inn, his regular venue. Our shared love for music created a strong bond we all were fortunate to experience through his artistry and personality.
In addition to his musical talents, Tom was an accomplished athlete. He always looked to engage us in garden games at his residence or table tennis matches in Philadelphia. Despite my proficiency in tennis, Tom consistently outperformed me, always displaying humility in victory. I was pleased to learn of his appointment as the head coach for the boys’ tennis team at Church Farm School, recognizing his potential to be an outstanding coach, educator, and mentor.
Tom’s woodworker and artist skills were exceptional and world-class. He knew how to select and manage wood as if he had a personal relationship with it. His harmony with nature extended from recognizing any bird song, true music to his ears, to meticulous craftsmanship as significant as an entire building to something as small as a cutting board. He built Philadelphia-based luthier Nicole Bachel, a remarkable workbench that is unique and exquisitely elegant. When the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society sought to enhance the sightlines of the Busch room in collaboration with the historic Athenaeum of Philadelphia, Tom was commissioned to construct a stage. His remarkable stage seamlessly integrated with the Athenaeum’s aesthetics and acoustics, becoming an additional instrument in the room. I remember introducing Tom as the architect of this magnificent structure during the Duo Mantar concert at the Athenaeum this year. Tom never asked for recognition or attention, but feeling the audience’s admiration for him was gratifying.
Tom is survived by his three sisters, his son, Evan who resides in Boca Raton, Florida, and his wife, Megan, with whom he shared a home in the picturesque Birchrunville, PA. Our visits to their residence, characterized by barbecues, musical gatherings, and companionship, hold treasured memories. Tom’s absence will be keenly felt, yet his legacy will endure perpetually, like a secret chord resonating beautifully yet mysteriously from a guitar.
In appreciation,
Eric Zillmer
President, Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society
Megan Emery assisted with this memorial
Photo credit: David Baskin (2013)
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