Renowned violinist and master teacher Roman Totenberg passed away on Tuesday, May 8th, at the age of 101.Renowned violinist and master teacher Roman Totenberg passed away on Tuesday, May 8th, at the age of 101. A professor emeritus at Boston University, where he taught for more than 50 years, Totenberg lead a prolific musical life. He performed for kings and presidents, literally, playing with the worlds top orchestras in the most acclaimed venues around the world and collaborating with such luminaries as Igor Stravinsky and Aaron Copland. Totenberg was called a “National Treasure,” by President Bill Clinton.
And yet, through it all, Totenberg was an educator first and foremost. In a 2010 interview with Boston University publication BU Today, he noted, “At age 11 I had a student who was 10. I always had the interest in teaching.” For more on the passing of this icon, click here.