Violinist Larry Grika has Died, Aged 90

Grika served in the Philadelphia Orchestra for 41 years

Born in Chicago, Larry Grika studied initially at Roosevelt University, while playing in the orchestra for the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He then spent a three-year stint in Washington and received his master's degree. He studied with Samuel Arron and Paul Stassevitch and received chamber music coaching from Robert Mann and Alexander Schneider.

Grika then joined the Cincinnati Symphony and accepted a teaching position at Antioch College. In 1964, he became a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, where he was to play for the next four decades.

Grika retired from the orchestra in 2005 but continued to appear as a substitute player until his 80th birthday.

"Larry was truly one of a kind," wrote his family in a statement. "Everything about Larry was infectious: his laugh, his warmth and his joy for life. He had the talent to craft the perfect stories – and then share them with others. He had a special gift of bringing everyone together with smiles on their faces. He was a man of many talents and passions including music, food, travel, family, friends, current events, sports and embracing all that life has to offer."

Grika is survived by his wife Pearl and their three children, as well as his two siblings.

Our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.