• Most Respected Classical Music Platform
  • #classicalForever
TOP

Hungarian Violinist János Rolla has Died, Aged 79

Rolla led and conducted the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra for most of his life

 

The Hungarian violinist and conductor János Rolla, who was closely associated with the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra, has passed away at the age of 79.

Born in Kőtelek, Hungary in 1944, Rolla studied at Budapest's Franz Liszt Academy of Music with the violinist Dénes Kovács. Afterward, he became concertmaster of the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra, a group comprising 17 string players with the addition of winds and brass when needed.

In 1979, Rolla became the orchestra's musical director. During his tenure, he made several recordings on the Hungaroton label, featuring soloists such as the trumpeter Maurice André, the flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal, the violinists Alexander Schneider and Henryk Szeryng, and the pianist Tamás Vásáry.

In 1985, Rolla was the recipient of Hungary's most prestigious honor for culture, the Kossuth Prize. He followed this up in 1994 when he received the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic.

"The Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra was his child; he did everything a father, guardian and leader could do for the ensemble," wrote the orchestra in a statement. The Kossuth Prize-winning violinist received all the recognition, titles, and awards that a Hungarian musician could receive."

"Dear Jancsi, rest in peace, we will take care of and protect your work: the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra!"

upcoming events

february 2025

07febAll Day17International "Franz Schubert and Modern Music” Chamber Music Competition(All Day) Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Graz, Leonhardstraße 15, A-8010 GrazEvent Type :competitions Event TagsInternational "Franz Schubert and Modern Music” Piano Trio Competition

14febAll Day22Jascha Heifetz International Violin Competition(All Day) Lithuanian National Philharmonic Hall, Aušros Vartų g. 5 Vilnius, LithuaniaEvent Type :competitions Event TagsInternational Jascha Heifetz Competition for Violinists

16febAll DayChicago National Chamber Music Competition(All Day: sunday) Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall, 201 St Johns Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035, United StatesEvent Type :competitions Event Tagschamber music,competition

march 2025

15marAll DayMusic Teachers National Association (MTNA) National Conference(All Day: saturday) Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 Marquette Ave. Event Type :conferences & tradeshows Event Tagschamber music,Chamber Music America,Conferences,Music Teachers National Association National Conference

18marAll DayJohansen International String Competition(All Day: tuesday) Calvary Baptist Church, 755 8th Street, NW, Washington, DCEvent Type :competitions

19marAll DayAmerican String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference(All Day: wednesday) HYATT REGENCY ATLANTA, 265 Peachtree St Event Type :conferences & tradeshows Event TagsAmerican String Teachers Association,American String Teachers Association National Conference,ASTA,conference

CONTACT US
x

Get ALL our latest conveniently by EMAIL

Our newsletter is trusted by over 100,000+ industry professionals around the world

We deliver news straight to your inbox and will never share your data.
You'll never miss a beat!

click left click right