Violist and Pedagogue Donald McInnes has Passed Away

McInnes was a distinguished teacher and collaborated with artists including Bernstein and Menuhin

Donald McInnes performed with the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, and l’Orchestre National de France, and was a resident member of Camerata Pacifica. 

He also worked with artists including Leonard Bernstein, Michael Tilson Thomas, Yehudi Menuhin, Lynn Harrell, and Yo-Yo Ma. 

As a recording artist, McInnes’s discography can be heard on for the Columbia, RCA, Deutsche Grammophon, Angel/EMI, and Laurel labels. He also introduced many new works for viola, including those commissioned for him by William Schuman, Vincent Persichetti, William Bergsma, Robert Suderberg, Paul Tufts, and Thomas Pasatieri.

From 1982 to 2015, McInnes was a teaching artist at the Music Academy of the West, where he was also honored with the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award and named Faculty Emeritus. 

Additionally, he was a guest artist and teacher at the University of Michigan, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, the University of Washington, the Royal Conservatory in Barcelona, Shanghai Conservatory, and Beijing’s Central Conservatory. 

He held further associations with the Banff Centre, the Menuhin Schools in both England and Switzerland, the Britten-Pears School for Advanced Musical Studies, plus festivals at Interlochen, St. Barts, Marlboro, and Sunflower, and the International String Workshop. 

McInnes’ accolades included the 2004 American String Teachers Association’s Teacher of the Year, and the International Viola Society’s Silver Alto Clef, its highest honor, at the 2007 International Viola Congress.

“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Donald McInnes, a cherished Music Academy alumnus and longtime teaching artist whose legacy will continue to inspire our community for generations,” the Music Academy of the West posted on Instagram. 

“His passion for teaching and global contributions to music will forever resonate within our community, where he was a dear friend to many of our patrons, Compeers, and staff throughout his decades spent teaching and performing in Santa Barbara,” the post added. “Donald’s legacy of excellence, artistry, and mentorship will always be a cherished part of the Music Academy family.”

Our condolences to Mr. McInnes’ family, friends, students, and colleagues.

WILLIAM SCHUMAN | Concerto on Old English Rounds for Viola, Female Chorus and Orchestra: I. Amaryllis - Introduction and Variations | Donald McInnes | Leonard Bernstein | New York Philharmonic | 1978