Dallas Symphony Orchestra violinist Arkady Fomin has died

Arkady Fomin, veteran violinist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and artistic director of the New Conservatory of Dallas, has died at the age of 68. Fomin joined the DSO in 1975 and in 1978 established a summer training programme for string students. The programme became the independent New Conservatory of Dallas in 1994 providing recitals, chamber music and orchestral opportunities throughout the year.

Born in Riga, Latvia in 1946, Fomin received musical training at the Latvian State Conservatory from Voldemar Sturestep. A founder of the Clavier Trio, the violinist collaborated with Pinchas Zukerman, Yefim Bronfman, Shlomo Mintz, Atar Arad, David Korevaar, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and Andrew Litton. Fomin was also professor and artist-in-residence at The University of Texas-Dallas and artistic director of Conservatory Music in the Mountains in Durango, Colorado.

‘Arkady was a beloved teacher and cherished musician with the DSO,’ said the orchestra’s president and CEO Jonathan Martin. ‘He was a fixture of the Dallas musical community, and his talent and inspiration touched the lives of hundreds of artists. We will miss him terribly.’

‘Rest in peace, dear Arkady,’ wrote DSO concertmaster Alexander Kerr. ‘You were an amazing person; always so positive, so friendly and so generous. We will miss your incredible talent and your wonderful smile.’

Photo: Mark Kitaoka

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