Town honors the Baratis with sculpture dedication
The community is invited to pay tribute to longtime Los Gatans Ruth and the late Maestro George Barati during a June 6 ceremony from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Los Gatos Library, 110 E. Main St.
That afternoon marks the dedication of a redwood sculpture crafted by Carmel sculptor Paul Wilson in honor of the Baratis and their many contributions to the town and to the world of music, literature and physical fitness. Refreshments will be served, with music provided by the Evergreen Duo and by local flutist Mimi Carlson.
A native of Hungary, George died in June 1996 at the age of 83, following head injuries he sustained during a fall in downtown Los Gatos. He was an accomplished orchestral composer and conductor who performed--as well as lectured--throughout the world.
Among the famous musical names of the past and present with whom he was acquainted were Leonard Bernstein, Igor Stravinsky, Van Cliburn, Arnold Schoenberg and former Los Gatan Yehudi Menuhin. In later years, George taught music history and appreciation classes with the Los Gatos-Saratoga Department of Community Education and Recreation.
Ruth's special gift is yoga, which she taught for 25 years through the Rec Department. She became interested in the ancient form of mental discipline, relaxation and physical fitness in the 1950s, when she met some dancers from India who extolled its virtues. She went on to study with a number of internationally known yoga masters before becoming a teacher herself.
The Barati sculpture, approximately six feet tall, is made of virgin redwood root, polished and mounted on a rock pedestal. The project, funded by the Barati Tribute Fund, was headed by Los Gatan Elaine Bainbridge, a friend who was inspired by both George's and Ruth's classes and personalities.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
