The American violist passed away just hours after he had appeared onstage with the Baltimore Symphony

A longstanding player in the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO), American violist Delmar Stewart's sudden death came just a few hours after a BSO summer series concert in appreciation of the orchestra's donors.

A much-beloved member of the BSO, Stewart had been playing in the orchestra since he first won the job in 1977 — almost half a century's service.

Stewart was also a luthier, and played on a viola he had made himself; he was often able to provide advice and help regarding instruments to his colleagues and to younger players.

His family describe him as "an open-hearted and always kind 'knight in very gentle armor' with a curious mind and a love of music."

"[Baltimore Symphony Musicians] are devastated by the sudden passing of beloved violist Delmar Stewart, who played his last concert with us Saturday night," wrote the BSO in a statement. "Delmar was a kind, gentle, and graceful presence who will be deeply missed by all who were privileged to work with him."

"Delmar played a viola he made himself in the BSO and helped a great many BSO string players with their instruments, as well as BSM parents of young string players. Delmar said he loved to make young people enjoy their instruments and want to practice. Our deepest sympathies to his family."