Musicians of the Philadelphia Orchestra have announced the death of Larry Grika, a violinist who joined the orchestra in 1964 and carried on playing until 2005. He then continued to deputise at concerts until he passed 80 in 2012.
A sought-after teacher, he had hundreds of private students.
A social media activist has circulated a video…
Francesco Meli is due to sing Verdi’s Otello…
We’re hearing that cello professor Melissa Kraut has…
The world according to conspiracy theorist Dinesh D’Souza,…
Session expired
Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.
He was orchestra committee chair for some years, leading them through strikes. He was also my good friend.
This is quite lovely. In British orchestras, one is required to retire despite being proficient! Even more important, a mentor to the younger generations of players. But ageism has always been rife – invisible at fifty except conductors. A sad reflection of society. Bravo to the Philly musicians!
Would you want to be operated on by a 72 year old surgeon? Be on an airliner piloted by a 72 year old? Maybe bet on a 72 year old race car driver? Heck, maybe an 80 year old surgeon is exactly 25 percent better than a 60 year old one.
Is it ageism to recognize 42 vs 72 isn’t the same? There comes a time when the passage of time is no longer on our side.
Regrettably, strengths and weaknesses change with age, and the number of string players who remain at their peak past 65 is very, very small. (As is the number of elderly folks who can accept they will contribute the most by gracefully retiring.) Speaking from experience here.