VERY SAD NEWS | Luminary Violinist Ida Haendel Has Passed Away – Aged 91 [RIP]

Luminary Polish-born Jewish violinist and teacher Ida Haendel has passed away, in Miami – aged 91

Luminary Polish-born Jewish violinist and teacher Ida Haendel has passed away, in Miami – aged 91.

A student of Carl Flesch and George Enescu, Ms Haendel will be remembered as one of the preeminent violinists of the 20th Century.

A recognised child prodigy, she was awarded 7th prize in the 1935 Wieniawski International Violin Competition – aged just 7.

IDA HAENDEL | SIBELIUS VIOLIN CONCERTO | FRANZ PAUL DECKER & MONTREAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | 1981

"It is with a heavy heart that I let my Facebook friends and family know that my beloved aunt, the legendary and world renown violinist Ida Haendel, passed away peacefully last night at her home in Miami ..." Ms Haendel's nephew, Richard Grunberg has today said via social media.

"A proud British subject and Canadian citizen, U.S. resident, Israeli benefactor, prominent global citizen and child prodigy, my aunt made a significant mark upon the world of music, and the lives of those she has touched with her endearing personality and brilliance in so many spheres ... the world has lost a musical legend and she will be missed by all who knew and admired her, her friends and close family who loved her dearly," he has said.

"My dear friend and teacher Ida Haendel just past away yesterday ... She guided me musically from age 11 to 17 ... I would not be who I am without her. My thoughts go out to her family, friends and fans all around the world. You will be missed," violinist David Garrett has today said.

"So sad to know that Ida Haendel has died ... she inspired me so much, as a young girl, and I adored her characterful, robust and gutsy playing, as well as her colourful dress sense! ... RIP, and thank you, thank you so much, dearest Ida, for your incredible artistry!" British violinist Tasmin Little has today said.

'LIFE AND WORK OF IDA HAENDEL' | DOCUMENTARY | 2018

Our condolences are with Ms Haendel's family, friends, colleagues and students.

So sad to hear (belatedly) of the death of Ida Haendel. What a lady! Passionate, inspired, stubborn, utterly unique - glorious! Playing the Beethoven Triple with her and Martha Argerich remains one of my most cherished - if surreal! - memories. There's never been anyone like Ida. pic.twitter.com/pTe8u57qvA

— Steven Isserlis (@StevenIsserlis) July 1, 2020

Ida Haendel... my first musical heroine... RIP, to an extraordinary and profound musician 🌸

— Tasmin Little OBE (@tasminlittle) July 1, 2020