Violist Christof Huebner has Died, Aged 61
Huebner, formerly artistic director and violist of New York’s Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, has passed away from cancer
Born in Graz, Austria, Christof Michael Huebner spent 27 years with the GRAMMY Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, where he played viola and served as artistic director. He is remembered for his musicianship, sensitive playing, and leadership.
A graduate of Vienna’s Conservatory of Music and Hochschule für Musik studying with Alban Berg Quartet member Hatto Beyerle.
At the age of 19, he was appointed to the Vienna State Opera, through which he also played with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic.
Later on, a Fulbright scholarship allowed him to travel to the U.S. to study with violist Michael Tree. His projects in the U.S. included performing with the Musicians from Marlboro and the Boston Symphony.
Huebner also founded the Walden Chamber Players in Boston, which maintained residencies, commissioned works, and performed across the U.S. for 23 years. Most recently, he began a second career as a real estate agent in Baltimore.
The cause of his death was esophageal cancer, which was diagnosed in early 2022.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Christof Huebner, Orpheus violist and former artistic director,” the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra posted on Facebook. “He was a dedicated musician and valued colleague, whose sharp wit left a lasting impact both on and off the stage. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with Christof’s family, loved ones, and all the musicians who had the privilege of performing alongside him.”
Our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
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