Violist Massimo Paris has Died, Aged 72

Paris was principal violist of "I Musici di Roma" for 45 years and a founding member of the Stradivari Quartet

The Italian violist, conductor, and pedagogue Massimo Paris, who was principal viola of I Musici di Roma and a founding member of the Stradivari Quartet, has passed away at the age of 72.

Born in Rome in 1953, Paris graduated with highest honors from the Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia, before pursuing further studies at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena and the Conservatoire de Musique de Genève.

In 1977 he was appointed as solo viola of the renowned chamber orchestra I Musici di Roma, a post he was to hold until 2022. Paris also found plenty of time to play chamber music, appearing as a member of the Faurè Piano Quintet and the Faurè Piano Quartet, as well as the European String Trio. In 1994, he became a founder member of the Stradivari Quartet.

Paris was also a composer and a number of his works were recorded — notably the Christmas Suite, which appeared on the Deutsche Grammophon label. His music was also performed in concert venues such as the Berlin Philharmonie.

As conductor, he founded and led the Accademia Musicale Italiana orchestra in 1986, and was appointed principal conductor of the Concerto Málaga Orchestra in 2003.

Paris was also a respected pedagogue, teaching at the Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia. He also held a professorship at the Musikhochschule Köln in Aachen, Germany, where he taught the viola and chamber music.

Our condolences to Mr. Paris's family, friends, and colleagues.