Fred Zlotkin, Principal Cellist of the New York City Ballet Orchestra, has Died

Zlotkin served the New York orchestra for almost half a century

Fred Zlotkin, the brother of Leonard Slatkin, has passed away at aged 75. He spent the vast majority of his career as the principal cellist of the New York City Ballet Orchestra, beginning in 1972 and continuing until his retirement in 2021.

Alongside his orchestral work, Zlotkin had a distinguished solo career, making appearances with l’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, the Minnesota Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the St. Louis Symphony.

A former student of Gregor Piatigorsky, Leonard Rose, and Channing Robbins, Zlotkin received his doctorate from The Juilliard School. Himself a respected pedagogue, Zlotkin taught in various institutions around New York, including at the Manhattan School of Music, Queens College, the Hoff-Barthelson Music School, and the Brooklyn College of Music.

He served as president of the Violoncello Society (VCS) Inc. of New York from 2017 to 2019. Each year, he faithfully performed at Ground Zero during the ceremony of remembrance for the victims of 9/11.

"It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of my brother, Fred Zlotkin," wrote Leonard Slatkin on social media. "He was a wonderful father, musician, and friend." A beautifully written tribute, with photos of their childhood, was posted on Leonard Slatkin's website. 

"Devastated to hear the sad news that Fred Zlotkin passed away," said Katharina Kang Litton, Principal Viola of the New York City Ballet.

"Fred was principal cellist of our orchestra for 50 years and was the kindest colleague and friend you could wish for. We will miss him dearly."

Below you can view a recording of a recital that Zlotkin gave alongside pianist David Buechner at the Manhattan School of Music in 1993.