Ruth Negri Armato passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the age of 94. She was born on March 8, 1930 in San Diego, California.
Ruth began piano lessons at age four and a half. At age eleven when she was introduced to the harp… “the most beautiful sound I ever heard” influenced her study of the harp. In addition to harp lessons, she studied double bass because of the scarcity of orchestral harp parts. At age sixteen, Ms. Negri was harp soloist with the Los Angeles NBC Orchestra as a finalist in the Hollywood Bowl Auditions of the Air.
Ruth was a scholarship pupil of Marcel Grandjany at the Juilliard School of Music and graduated with highest honors as a winner of the prestigious Damrosch Scholarship. While still a student at Juilliard she performed with the New York City Opera, RCA and CBS Orchestras with Fritz Reiner, Leopold Stowkowski, Wilfred Pelletier, Pierre Monteux, Donald Voorhees, and Andre Kostelanetz before beginning a nine year engagement as principal harp of the New York City Ballet Co. in 1950.
Ms. Negri joined the New York Philharmonic in 1969, and retired in June 1997. She was a soloist with the New York Philharmonic Ensembles and remained active as a soloist and chamber music performer. In 1970-71 and 1986-87 she took sabbaticals from the New York Philharmonic when she was invited to play principal harp with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. In 1987 she was soloist in a TV special of Donizetti's “Lucia” with the Metropolitan Opera.
From 1950 on Ms. Negri was active as a teacher, coach, and performer (Williamsburg Settlement House, Manhattan School of Music, and privately). She was also been an adjudicator (American Harp Society, NY Philharmonic, Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard and Concert Artists Guild). She played for many commercials, soap operas (General Hospital, 15 years), numerous TV specials and over 30 films (including Miracle Worker, Indian in the Cupboard)
Ruth was the beloved wife of Ben Armato, retired Clarinetist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, who she met at Juilliard and married on June 17, 1950. She was the mother of three daughters, Catherine (Gerry) Ross, Maria (Jay) Hardenburg, and Patricia Viscome. She was grandmother to Nicholas (Audrey) Hardenburg, Alicia (Brad) Kleiner, Janine (Derrick) Ransom, Justin (Tyler) Hardenburg, Pamela Viscome, and Patrick Viscome. Ruth was great grandmother to Benjamin and Juliet Hardenburg, Marcus Ransom and Jacob Kleiner.
Ruth shared her love of music as a teacher of piano and harp. She was a gourmet cook and amazing baker. She enjoyed playing bridge, knitting, dancing, and traveling. She was an avid golfer and a dedicated member of Ardsley Country Club. Ruth was a longtime parishioner of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Irvington. She served as a board member for Aaron Copland House. In 2011, Ruth, along with her husband Ben, received honors from the Westchester Board of Legislators for their many accomplishments in music, literature, and service to the community. November 20 is known as Ben and Ruth Armato Day. Although Ruth was honored with many accolades over the years, the best and most important of them all was her family. Her family was her life.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Ben, her parents Benjamin and Lydia Negri, brother Robert and sister Jean Cummins.
The International Harp Archives at the University of North Texas includes a generous donation of over 200 orchestral and opera harp parts from Ms. Negri. Please explore this collection online.
