Octogenarian Bass Now In Contention for Guinness World Record

ATLANTA, GA -- An octogenarian who joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in 1945 is now in contention for a Guinness World Record.

Jane Little, assistant principal bass for the symphony who turned 87 this week, performed with the ASO Thursday night. The evening marked 71 years to the day of her first concert held on Feb. 4, 1945, to secure the Guinness World Record for longest professional tenure with a single orchestra.

With Little’s completion of the evening’s performance, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will submit documentation to Guinness World Record officials, who will use the submitted materials to certify Little’s status as the new world record holder.

“What an amazing accomplishment! To look over at Jane Little in the bass section is to witness the living tradition that is the ASO,” said ASO Music Director Robert Spano. “Hers is an unparalleled dedication, and it’s been an absolute delight to make music with her. Bravo, Jane!”

Little started her musical career in 1945 as a charter member of the original Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra, the forerunner of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. She joined after two years of studying bass in high school and has since played under all four of the Orchestra’s music directors, as well as guest conductors including Igor Stravinsky, Aaron Copland, Pierre Monteux, Leopold Stokowski, Sir John Barbirolli and James Levine, among others.

An Atlanta native, Little attended the University of Georgia and studied for four years with the principal bass player of the Chicago Symphony. She was principal bass with the Theater of the Stars orchestra for 15 years, and played extensively with regional ballet and opera companies, as well as in touring performances of the American Ballet Theatre, Covent Garden Ballet, and Boris Goldovsky Opera Theatre.

Little performed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic opening and closing ceremonies with “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” composer/conductor John Williams.