Cellist and Pedagogue Antonio Lysy has Died, Aged 60

Lysy, who taught at the University of California for 20 years, has passed away from brain cancer

Antonio Lysy was appointed Professor of Cello at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2003. Previously, he held a professorship at McGill University in Montréal. 

For many years, he was a visiting professor at Switzerland’s International Menuhin Music Academy; he also mentored students at the Heifetz International Music Institute, Italy’s NUME Academy, and the Toronto Summer Music Festival.

As a soloist, he had played with the London’s Royal Philharmonic and Philharmonia Orchestras, Camerata Academica, Zurich Tonhalle, Orchestra di Padova e il Veneto, Israel Sinfonietta, Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Les Violions du Roi, and the Camerata Strumentale di Prato. 

Among his acclaimed collaborators included Yuri Temirkanov, Charles Dutoit, Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Sandor Vegh, and Kees Bakels. 

Lysy recorded extensively for CBC Radio, BBC Radio, Classic FM, and other European radio networks. He also recorded for the Claves, Dinemec Classics, and Fonè labels. 

In 1989, he founded and was the director of the annual Incontri in Terra di Siena Chamber Music Festival in Tuscany, Italy. 

“All of us at Incontri in Terra di Siena Festival are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our festival founder and dear friend Antonio Lysy,” the festival posted on social media. “Antonio’s legacy will echo through the profound impact he had on all who were fortunate enough to know him and create music alongside him. His presence will be deeply missed within the festival family that he nurtured with immense heart and passion over the past 36 years.”

“Infinite sorrow fills our hearts at the profound loss of our dear Tonino,” Italian pianist Alessio Bax posted on Facebook. “A genuine earthly angel, his grace, simplicity, boundless curiosity, and love for life and people were unparalleled. Grateful for countless unforgettable moments, on and off stage. May he find eternal peace.”

Mr. Lysy is survived by his mother, his wife, and three children. Our condolences to his family, friends, students, and colleagues.