Violinist György Konrád has Died, Aged 99

Konrád was principal viola of the Hungarian National Philharmonic and violist of the Tátrai Quartet

The Hungarian violinist and violist György Konrád, who was hugely active both as an orchestral musician and as a chamber player, has passed away at the age of 99.

Konrád was born in Szeged, Hungary, in 1924, and his first violin teacher was László Perényi. He was closely associated with the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra for almost a quarter of a century, serving as principal violist.

He was also a member of the Tátrai String Quartet, which was the most prominent quartet in Hungary in the second half of the twentieth century. The group specialized in the works of Haydn and Bartók, but played most pieces in the string quartet literature and toured the world.

Konrád also played in the orchestras of the Hungarian State Opera and the Hungarian Radio, as well as being a founding member of the Budapest Festival Orchestra. He continued to perform well into old age, making appearances with Concerto Budapest, among others.

Konrád was honored with the title of Meritorious and Excellent Artist of Hungary.

"It is with deep sadness that I share the grief of the family and the whole Hungarian music world: we have lost György Konrád, Pamacs, the wonderful violinist and friend," wrote conductor Iván Fischer.

"As a founding member of the Budapest Festival Orchestra, he played in our very first audition and participated in its formation. He was a conductor of several Hungarian ensembles and a legendary member of the Tátrai Quartet. In 1944, with some luck, he escaped from a line in front of a firing squad. I have always been lucky, he said. He loved music, life and people."

"We preserve the memory of his sunny personality."