Remembering Isaiah Sheffer, Host of Selected Shorts

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Isaiah Sheffer, founder of Symphony Space and host of Selected Shorts

Isaiah Sheffer, the warm resonating voice from Selected Shorts, passed away in Manhattan on November 9. The New York Times reported Mr. Sheffer's death resulted from complications of a stroke.

Sheffer was Founding Artistic Director of Symphony Space. Together with his good friend and co-founder Allan Miller, Sheffer transformed a crumbling building on the corner of 95th Street and Broadway into the vibrant and vital arts institution known today as Symphony Space.  Isaiah's voice is recognized by millions in his role as host of Selected Shorts on Public Radio International, a show that he created as both a live stage performance and radio program carried on over 150 stations around the country.  Isaiah's warmth, quick wit, and passion for the arts were an inherent part of what made him so special.