Original air date Nov 22, 2025 | Time 59:00
Mark Shulgasser passed away on Wednesday Nov 19, 2026 at his home in Jeffersonville, NY. He was a long time broadcaster on WJFF Radio Catskill among other things. He was a prominent operatic librettist for the American composer Lee Hoiby, his partner of many years. Mark was a one-of-a kind astrologer and prepared charts for many of the musicians he admired. His radio program "Music of the Spheres" combined his love of both music and astrology.
Recently Mark had been very active, opening a book store in Jeffersonville in 2024 named The Book Mark. During his life he had at least four book stores that I know of and his collection of books is extensive. There are thousands of volumes he left behind at his house. He also had a fascinating collection of porcelain, some going back to the 17th century. He had a beautiful sculpture of Lee Hoiby in his dining room along with one of Schubert. His home was always inviting and he had many dinners, birthdays and celebrations around the large marble table in the center of the room. There was always a seasonal bouquet on the table, most recently red snowberry branches.
Later this month I will produce a special program using clips from his program Music of the Spheres.
Mark will be missed by many.
Kathy Geary "Lady of the Harbor" by Lee Hoiby - American Opera Center
Leontyne Price "Wild Nights" by Lee Hoiby, Leontyne Price - Return to Carnegie Hall
David Crosby "Glory" from Glory
Becca Stevens "Wild Eyes Open" from Maple to Paper
Becca Stevens "If I Die Before You" from Maple to Paper
Joan Baez "The President Sang Amazing Grace" from Whistle Down the Wind
Paul Simon "So Beautiful Or So What" from So Beautiful Or So What
Paul Simon "Questions For The Angels" from So Beautiful Or So What
Paul Simon "Love Is Eternal Sacred Light" from So Beautiful Or So What
Joni Mitchell "If" from Shine
Kathy Geary, Host of Now & Then on Radio Catskill, Public Radio for the Catskills and Northeast Pennsylvania