KUSC Radio Listener Bequeaths $8 Million to Station, USC

LOS ANGELES -- A lifetime classical music devotee has bequeathed $6 million to the USC Thornton School of Music and $2 million to KUSC, the country's largest nonprofit classical music radio station.

The donation was announced by the school and radio station on Friday.

Edward Judd Zobelein, who died in July 2017 at the age of 74, was a longtime supporter of USC Thornton and KUSC Classical 91.5 FM. The station said it plans to run on-air acknowledgements of his gift for the next two years.

For Zobelein, listening to classical music on KUSC brought a special comfort and happiness to each day, according to his family, especially when failing health made sleeping difficult.

``Edward Judd Zobelein lived and breathed classical music,'' said his sister, Linda Zobelein Koss, a graduate of the USC Roski School of Art and Design. ``He found total solace and peace in playing his flute, going to concerts at the Hollywood Bowl or Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and listening
daily to KUSC.''

Zobelein, who played the flute and piccolo, performed concerts with San Marino High School's concert band -- he was a 1961 graduate of the school -- and as a member of the San Gabriel Valley Junior Symphony.

``We are so honored and grateful that Edward Judd Zobelein chose to make this gift to KUSC after many years of constant and quiet support,'' KUSC President Judy McAlpine said. ``Every day we try to touch people with the transformative power of classical music. This gift to our endowment will help ensure that we are able to continue our mission for years to come.''

City News Service contributed to this report.