Library of Congress honors Sue Vita, longtime music-division chief

The Library of Congress held a public tribute in the Coolidge Auditorium honoring Susan "Sue" Vita, the longtime chief of the Music Division, with remarks from Acting Librarian Robert Newland, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, family members and music-industry representatives and musical performances by division-associated artists.

Acting Librarian Robert Newland opened the program by welcoming family, colleagues and the public and summarizing Vita's career. "Sue's 55 year distinguished career at the Library of Congress was full of countless achievements that had an impact far beyond our Capitol Hill campus," Newland said, describing her as "an exemplary and driven leader." He thanked Vita's husband, children and grandchildren for attending and noted the music-division team's role in organizing the tribute.

The event centered on Vita's professional legacy: stewardship of major collections, the institutional establishment of the Library's Concerts from the Library of Congress series and her role in developing the Gershwin Prize. Librarian Carla Hayden said Vita "brought grace and humor and a fierce dedication to the work every single day," and highlighted Vita's work to elevate popular music collections and public programs.

Nicholas Brown Casares, representing the music division staff, recounted acquisitions and programs from Vita's tenure, listing collections and named donors and calling out a 1690 instrument by Antonio Stradivari as a particularly notable acquisition for the collections. Casares asked attendees to view display cases in the lobby that chronicle chiefs of the music division and the division's recent work.

LJ Strunsky, who administers the Ira Gershwin Music Estate, outlined the long relationship between the Gershwin family and the Library of Congress and described Vita's hands-on involvement when substantial Gershwin materials were transferred to the Library. Strunsky noted Vita's role in shaping the Gershwin Prize, which his remarks locate as a longstanding program of the institution.

Remarks mixed professional accomplishments with personal anecdotes: Robert Newland told a story about Vita arranging an impromptu visit with Smokey Robinson, and colleagues described her as a mentor and connector who made artists and scholars feel welcome. Family members described Vita's resilience and devotion; one relative said, "It leaves a mark on the forest when the big trees fall, but their nourishment lives on forever."

Performances and musical excerpts punctuated the tributes. Speakers and performers repeatedly emphasized Vita's commitment to preserving and promoting American musical heritage and urged the Library community and supporters to carry that work forward.

The program continued with additional tributes and performances; attendees were invited to view exhibits in the lobby. No formal actions or institutional decisions (motions, votes, or policy changes) were announced during the event.