Lativan-American Conductor David Fetler has Died, Aged 96

Fetler was the founder of the Greece Symphony Orchestra and Rochester Chamber Orchestra, which he led for 50 years

Born in Riga, Latvia, David Fetler came into a family of musicians — the “Fetler Family Band” performed concerts within Latvia and throughout Europe in the 1930s. Fetler began conducting at the age of seven and came to the U.S. with his family at age 12. 

A graduate of the Juilliard School, Westminster Choir College, and the Eastman School of Music, his mentors were Pierre Monteux and Leopold Stokowski, who led the premiere of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and conducted the score to the Disney film Fantasia, respectively.

Fetler later became the founder, music director, and director emeritus of the Greece Symphony Orchestra, and the founder and conductor laureate of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra (RCO), comprising players from the Rochester Philharmonic. 

When reflecting on his 50-year tenure with the RCO, Fetler explained that it was “year to year” for him. “I don't like to predict too far in the future or look back too much,” he told the Democrat and Chronicle in 2013. “I’m fortunate to make some more contributions to the orchestra and other music, with just as much enthusiasm as I’ve had before.”

As an educator, Fetler was invited by the Eastman School’s director Howard Hanson to join the Eastman Conducting Faculty, where he presented instrumental and choral music with the Eastman Collegium Chamber Orchestra and Singers. He also served as choral director at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Rochester for many years.

“Dr. Fetler had a unique knack for discovering new talent, and many musicians nationally and internationally can trace their first big break to him,” said RCO’s former board president and treasurer, Ray Grosswirth.

“If he heard a student showing promise, he would occasionally ask him or her to perform as a soloist with the [RCO]. He also had a keen ear for promising talent around the country,” Grosswirth continued. “Your musical legacy will be remembered for many decades to come.”

Our condolences to Dr. Fetler’s family, friends, students, and colleagues.