Violinist Shirien Taylor-Donahue has Died, Aged 62

Shirien Taylor-Donahue held the post of Principal Second Violin in the orchestra at The Metropolitan Opera from 1987 to 2016. Members of the orchestra have come together to remember Taylor-Donahue's life, citing her warmth, kindness, and charm as being among her best qualities.

Caterina Szepes, a friend and colleague in the Met orchestra, wrote a tribute in which she highlighted the levels of support and care that Taylor-Donahue provided over the course of their friendship. "We cried on each other’s shoulders during difficult times and laughed tears countless other times when things were good; and things were good most of the time when you were with Shirien," she said.

Taylor-Donahue was also a beloved teacher to many young violin students. Szepes remembers that Taylor-Donahue was "the most delightful violin teacher for my daughter Sophia when she was about 10 years old. They had so much fun — often a violin lesson was combined with a cooking or baking lesson as well, as she was the most incredible cook and had fun sharing it with my daughter."

"I had a lot of fun sitting with Shirien; she had a quick laugh and her musical gifts made sharing a stand a delight," wrote colleague Karen Marx. "I already miss her friendship and spirit," she added.

Our condolences to Taylor-Donahue's family, friends, and colleagues at this sad time.