Violinist Yuval Waldman has Died, Aged 74

The New York Times has reported that the Russian-Israeli violinist and conductor had coronary artery disease, and tested positive for COVID-19 right before his death

His parents were Holocaust survivors, and his childhood was spent in many countries including immigrant camps in Austria and Italy. They finally settled in Israel in 1957, and Waldman's talent was recognized by violinist Isaac Stern.

After graduating from the Samuel Rubin Israel Academy of Music in Tel Aviv, Mr. Stern helped him pursue further studies in the United States at the Juilliard School and Indiana University.

At age 22, he made his Carnegie Hall debut, and eventually became concertmaster for the Kansas City Philharmonic. In the 1980s and 90s, he conducted the Mid-Atlantic Chamber Orchestra.

Waldman programmed many concerts featuring lesser-known composers. One program featured works by Eastern European Jews — many of them died in World War II or were silenced by the Soviet Union. Another concert included composers who were persecuted for their beliefs.

Our condolences are with Mr. Waldman's family, friends, students, and colleagues.