Leonard Slatkin mourns his cellist brother, Fred
RIPThe cellist Fred Zlotkin, principal of New York City Ballet orchestra for half a century and a regular with the New York Philharmonic, has died suddenly at 75.
He was due to have a catch-up meeting with Leonard this weekend.
Our condolences to the family.
This was Fred’s bio:
A winner at the Geneva Music Competition, Fred Zlotkin performed solo engagements with l’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Minnesota Orchestra, New York City Ballet, National Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and St. Louis Symphony. He was a member of the Lyric Piano Quartet and appeared with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Aspen Music Festival, Ravinia Festival, and Minnesota Sommerfest. For 50 years, he served as solo cellist of the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center, and he performed regularly with the New York Philharmonic. He recorded for film and with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Madonna, Aretha Franklin, and Neil Young. Zlotkin studied with Gregor Piatigorsky, Leonard Rose, and Channing Robbins. He earned his doctorate from The Juilliard School. His recording of Bach’s Six Suites for Solo Cello, with full ornamentation, has been hailed as “one of the most gratifying Bach performances on record.” A former faculty member of Manhattan School of Music, Queens College, Hoff-Barthelson Music School, and Brooklyn College of Music, he has served as Music Director of the Montauk Chamber Music Society. For over 15 years, Zlotkin has performed at Ground Zero during the annual reading of the names of the deceased from 9/11. In 2002 he recorded Korngold’s Cello Concerto with his brother and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and he performed the same work with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. At New York City Ballet, he has performed Walton’s Cello Concerto (Peter Martins, choreographer), Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations (Christopher Wheeldon, choreographer), and Shostakovich’s Cello Sonata (Melissa Barak, choreographer) in addition to numerous other solo and chamber music works.
So sad. Fred was so full of life and such and incredible character and it’s just so hard to think of him no longer with us.
Only enjoyed one year of retirement. So sad
Boruch dayan emess
He was a great musician with an incisive mind and phenomenal technique, a lovely human being, and a dear friend. All who knew Fred will miss him profoundly.
I am sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He was a friend and colleague since our teens. His large musical family mourns him as well as all those who valued him as a musician and human being.
In 1964, Fred and his mother, Eleanor Aller Slatkin, traveled east from Los Angeles. In honor of the occasion, my father, Alan Shulman, wrote ‘Pastorale’ and ‘Two Pair’ for the four of us to play. Alan and Eleanor had been in Felix Salmond’s class at Juilliard and our families have had a long history. Alan subsequently wrote Fred a cadenza for the Haydn D-major concerto. Fred served as President of the (NY) Violoncello Society, revitalizing the organization. Condolences to Leonard and son Felix. His large spirit and artistry will be missed.
And Fred’s daughter Maddie.
Oh my! I was shocked when I saw this notice. I knew Fred when we were both Principal Cello and Bass with New York Chamber Symphony. We knew each other off and on for many years. I liked and admired Fred’s playing. He was such a fun and friendly guy. This is so sad. He will be missed by all who knew him.
I am so sorry about the passing of Fred Zlotkin. He was a superb ‘cellist who carried on the instrumental legacy of his parents, Felix and Eleanor Aller Slatkin, a violinist and ‘cellist, respectively. I send special condolences to Leonard Slatkin, his brother.
I only met him 3 years ago when we co-produced a CD by the eminent cellist John Kneiling; we had a great time and became fast friends. Shocking and a real loss to the cello community and music. He will be missed.
Thanks for your remembrance and kind remarks, Joe.
My most heartfelt condolences to Maestro Slatkin and his family.
Fred was a good friend, wonderful cellist and a wonderful person, he will be missed.
I am unable to say anything that could add anything to the wonderful tributes already stated.
My condolences go out to all who knew and worked with him.
A wonderful musician, to be missed by all.