Kirk Browning, 86, TV director
NEW YORK - Kirk Browning, who rose from music librarian at a television network to become the award-winning director of the enduring series "Live from Lincoln Center," died of cardiac arrest at his Manhattan home on Sunday. He was 86.
In a career spanning 58 years, Mr. Browning directed 185 broadcasts of "Live from Lincoln Center," winning 10 Emmys, and such pioneering works as Frank Sinatra's first TV show and the world premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors," the first opera written for television.
He never retired, and in recent weeks he was beginning work on another "Live from Lincoln Center," a New York City Opera production of "Madama Butterfly," to be broadcast March 20.
Mr. Browning, a New York native, began his career filing musical scores at the NBC music library. Rising swiftly at the network, he directed live telecasts of the NBC Symphony led by Arturo Toscanini.
His technique featured constantly maneuvering cameras, getting close to the actors to emphasize character and dramatic tension.
While saying there was "nothing better or more thrilling than capturing the spontaneity of a live performance," Mr. Browning stressed that a director must stay focused and organized. .
Along with his Lincoln Center Emmys and three prime-time Emmys for other productions, Mr. Browning earned two Christopher awards, a CITA award, and a George Foster Peabody award.
His credits also included Philadelphia Orchestra productions and White House specials. 