Spanish-Italian Violinist Felix Ayo has Died, Aged 90

The Spanish-Italian violinist was a founder member of I Musici and the Quartetto Beethoven di Roma

Born in Sestao, Spain, in 1933, violinist Felix Ayo received his diploma at just 14 years old and subsequently undertook further study in Paris, Siena, and Rome. At 18, he became a founding member of I Musici and continued to perform with the ensemble as its leader and soloist for a further sixteen years.

In addition, Ayo was the founder of the Quartetto Beethoven di Roma in 1970, which became one of the world's most renowned piano quartets. As part of the ensemble, Ayo appeared in concert halls such as Carnegie Hall, the Berliner Philharmoniker, La Scala, Teatro Colón, the Musikverein, and the Concertgebouw.

Ayo was also renowned for his discography. His recording of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons received the Grand Prix du Disque, and his other recordings received the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik (on three occasions), the Edison Award (twice), the Mar del Plata prize, and the Italian Critics' Award.

Ayo was also a respected pedagogue and taught at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome. He also regularly gave seminars in Canada, Australia, USA, Germany, Japan, Spain, Italy, and Denmark, and frequently served on the jury at international competitions.

Ayo spent much of his career performing on a Guadagnini violin of 1744.

Our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.