06/08/2026
We join Philadelphia’s music community in mourning the loss of Michael Caruso — musician, teacher, critic, and friend.
For decades, Michael championed the region’s musical life through his teaching, writing, and consistent presence at performances across the city. His deep love of music helped shine a light on countless artists and organizations, including Settlement Music School, Piffaro, The Renaissance Band, Ensemble Arts Philly, and The Crossing.
The Chestnut Hill Local published a beautiful tribute to Michael’s life and legacy, including this thoughtful remembrance from The Crossing's Donald Nally.
“Michael was such a good friend to so many local ensembles. He was devout in all things: his faith, his music, his teaching, the music making of others, journalism, the Greater Chestnut Hill area. He was a welcome and wonderful presence, whether that be in his words in the Local previewing an upcoming event, in his sprightly company at concerts or in his follow-up reviews, always fair and honest. By always showing up, he helped us all, for decades. The community of The Crossing will miss him greatly.”
Our condolences to Michael’s family, friends, students, colleagues, and the many musicians and organizations whose work he supported.
The unexpected death of someone close always comes as a profound shock. So it is for us as we learned last week of the death of colleague and longtime Chestnut Hill Local classical music critic …
