Sad death of a viola livewire
RIPMany US musicians have been shocked and saddened by the death this weekend of Miles Hoffman, known as Mike, after a long illness.
Founder and music director of the American Chamber Players, he was a longrunning commentator on NPR’s Morning Edition and a general livewire on an overwhelmingly conformits scene.
His friend Max Raimi writes: ‘He was a superb violist, a terrific administrator (He kept the American Chamber Players thriving for decades in a national environment hardly welcoming to classical chamber music), brilliant with languages, an uncanny mimic, an accomplished writer with two books and innumerable published articles to his credit, and a uniquely eloquent explicator and advocate for classical music. He was a regular guest on NPR’s “Morning Edition”, discussing classical music with Liane Hansen from time to time.
And Mike had extraordinary courage. He walked out of a comfortable job with the National Symphony to carve out what at first must have been a precarious existence for himself, teaching, performing, the occasional (and later much less occasional) speaking and writing gig. He was diagnosed with Leukemia at the end of 2019, and endured a bone marrow transplant and then a succession of horrors related to harsh reactions to the procedure, including Graft vs. Host Disease and an endless succession of opportunistic infections stemming from his immune system being suppressed so he could tolerate the transplant. In the end, it was more than he could survive. But he fought to the end, with inconceivable forbearance and endurance. When I was able to reach him by phone, he would still favor me with a Yiddish joke I hadn’t yet heard, impeccably delivered.
His greatest accomplishment, though, is his family. I have more admiration for his wife Susan than I can say, and they raised two marvelous and accomplished young women, their daughters Jillian and Eva.
That I will never have another conversation with Mike is a hideous void in my life.’
Sorry to hear this and best wishes to his family. I had the privilege of sharing the radio waves with Miles on South Carolina Public Radio. I was very much his junior and quite green but he was supportive and kind. He felt deeply about music and reflected that to folks who played with him. There was no messing around!! RIP
My first year in the NSO was Mike’s last. He was a very funny man. He would make rather loud comments during rehearsals that made those around him laugh. I think he realized he was not the greatest team player and ventured out on his own. At the time he was making comedy albums. His move was a relief to some.
Sad news. I always enjoyed his commentaries on NPR and how he could explain music in a way that was interesting to both aficionados and beginners.
Wonderful violist. Great chamber music partner and just a terrific human being. This is so sad and I send my sincere condolences to his family
Saddened by this recent loss. We had a viola connection. Miles had a wonderful wit. I have fond memories of his big personality and fabulous musicianship. Sending condolences to his family and friends.
Heartbreaking news of a profound loss. Miles could be described in so many ways. Renaissance man, raconteur, comedian, wordsmith, virtuoso, friend. Above all, he was someone who had his priorities in order. I’ll forever cherish his mentorship and encouragement, as will scores of other young musicians. Condolences to his family.