Polish Violist Wieslaw Rekucki has Died, Aged 64

The Polish violist and pedagogue Wieslaw Rekucki passed away following a heart attack on January 30. He spent the majority of his working life in Spain, having grown up in Lublin and studied in Warsaw.

In 1985, Rekucki chose to settle in Asturias, following stints in the Polish Radio Orchestra and the orchestra of the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. Upon his arrival in Spain, he worked as Principal Viola of the Asturias Symphony Orchestra. From 1988 he and his wife, cellist Bogumila Rekucki, also taught at Asturias's Oviedo Conservatory.

Rekucki will be remembered as a highly influential pedagogue. Many of his students went on to professional careers, including Spanish violist Jesus Rodolfo, who began studying with Rekucki at the age of seven. Rekucki also spent time working with the Spanish Youth Orchestra, the Prince of Asturias Foundation's International School of Music, and Poland's Princess Daisy Festival. Additionally, a number of Rekucki's private students also gained places in the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester.

"You showed me what a viola is for the first time, made me love it, taught me discipline, tenacity, purpose, perseverance, endless creative ideas, humility, and strong faith to chase my dreams," Rodolfo wrote of his teacher and mentor.

Rekucki is survived by his wife Bogumila, his two daughters Eva and Anna, and his son Adam. Our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.