British Violinist John Woolf has Died, Aged 91

Having played violin since childhood, John Woolfe performed with several London orchestras from the mid-1940s, before joining what is now known as the Royal Opera House, in 1952. He continued as second, then first, violinist there until his retirement at age 65.

Woolfe was born in France in 1930 to a British writer father and Swiss-French mother. After his family moved to London in 1939, Woolfe also completed National Service with the LifeGuards after leaving school.

In addition to and following his performing career, he co-founded and directed the Park Lane Group (PLG), an educational charity providing a platform for young emerging artists and composers. For nearly 70 years, he led PLG with a supportive committee. 

Formed in 1956, PLG was initially created by a trio of students that Woolfe later joined from the UK’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Under Woolfe’s sole leadership, funding was mainly provided by musical trusts, arts councils, and shared gala performances of West-End musicals.

PLG’s initiatives included hosting a series of public interviews with renowned composers of the time which Woolfe invited from America, such as George Crumb, Steve Reich, and Aaron Copland. 

Being especially active in the 1970s, PLG has become a renowned program, holding auditions each Spring. Over 1600 artists have been presented in concerts and opera productions — alumni include Thomas Adès, Anthony Marwood, Lawrence Power, and Doric String Quartet. 

In 1974, Woolfe was appointed MBE of the British Empire and in 1981, was made an honorary member of the Royal College of Music and of the Royal Academy of Music in 2007. 

According to the Guardian, Woolfe “was like a gambler with concerts — he could not resist them and undoubtedly put a considerable amount of his own funds into the PLG over many years.”

“His dedication, enthusiasm and relentless hard work over more than 65 years helped launch the careers of many PLG alumni who are, today, known nationally and indeed internationally,” PLG wrote on their website.

“He was focused on his work with PLG right up until the end, and rejoiced that the easing of COVID restrictions had enabled public concerts to restart,” they continued. “Although he is irreplaceable, we hope to continue to further his goals of providing highly talented young musicians with a prominent platform to launch their careers, and a resolute focus on new and commissioned compositions.”

He is survived by his son, a jazz saxophonist and clarinetist. Our condolences to Mr. Woolfe’s family, friends, and colleagues.