CHICO REMEMBERS LES VIELBIG 1934-2020

It is with gratitude that CHICO remembers Les Vielbig. Les was a remarkable man, great friend, generous supporter and visionary. An engineer by vocation and an All-American athlete, he was also a musician. With his best friend Henning Ottsen, and joined by Bruce Walker, they founded the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra in 2003. Les was our original concertmaster/first violinist. Henning became president of the board of directors and managed the organization. Bruce was lead oboist and later treasurer. Les was a renaissance man who was accomplished in many fields and immersed himself in many passions. He was well-read and conversed enthusiastically on any subject. He was able to listen to people who had differing views, without disharmony. He was open-minded and kind. Les and his wife Judy were married in 1960 and they shared a rich and active life. They traveled extensively. Judy was a teacher and church organizer. Until her death in 2015, she was a pillar of the United Methodist Church. She and Les both sang in the choir. Judy began the church’s Tutoring Center, providing scholastic assistance to local grade school children. Theirs was always a great and loving partnership. Their grandchildren have inherited their musical interests. Granddaughter Emma is an outstanding soprano and musical theater performer. Grandson Joe was featured in CHICO’s early Young Artist Series, performing a Mozart Piano Concerto with the orchestra. Les’ vision for the future of CHICO was to provide excellent concerts while growing the repertoire to include a wider offering of composers and styles of music. He was also a strong voice for bringing young people and their parents into the world of great music. He believed fine music is compelling for all. Young people only need the opportunity to discover it. He wanted CHICO to play an important role in the discovery.