Raymond Gniewek
Raymond Gniewek (November 13, 1931 – October 1, 2021) was an American violinist.
He served as concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera orchestra for 43 years; upon his appointment in 1957 at age 26, he was the youngest person to ever hold the post. He also enjoyed a career as a soloist.[1] His final performance as concertmaster with the orchestra was a concert performance in Carnegie Hall of Béla Bartók's Bluebeard's Castle in 2000.[2]
Gniewek was a native of New York City where he began his musical education; he continued at the Eastman School of Music, studying with Andre de Ribaupierre and Joseph Knitzer, becoming concertmaster of the Eastman-Rochester Orchestra and associate concertmaster of Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra under Erich Leinsdorf. Other teachers were the Canadian violinist Albert Pratz and Raphael Bronstein of New York City.[3]
Gniewek was married to soprano Judith Blegen.[4] He was formerly married to ballet dancer and Pilates instructor Lolita San Miguel.[5] His sister is Cecilia Brauer who plays celesta and glass harmonica in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.[6]
Gniewek was born in East Meadow, New York,[5] and died on October 1, 2021.[7][8]
Videography[edit]
- Mozart: Idomeneo (1982), Deutsche Grammophon DVD, 00440-073-4234, 2006
- The Metropolitan Opera Centennial Gala (1983), Deutsche Grammophon DVD, 00440-073-4538, 2009
- The Metropolitan Opera Gala 1991, Deutsche Grammophon DVD, 00440-073-4582, 2010
- James Levine's 25th Anniversary Metropolitan Opera Gala (1996), Deutsche Grammophon DVD, B0004602-09, 2005
References[edit]
- ^ "Biography" at the Boston Symphony Orchestra
- ^ Bernard Holland (May 23, 2000). "Music Review; Thunder from the Pit for Bluebeard". The New York Times. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
- ^ Maud McLean. "Albert Pratz". The Canadian Encyclopedia.
- ^ "The Met's Judith Blegen and Ray Gniewek Are a Duet: She Sings, He Strings", People, October 26, 1981
- ^ a b "Stage Wedding Real Thing: another Metropolitan First". Deseret News. May 27, 1960.
- ^ "Cecilia Brauer, celeste". Met Orchestra Musicians. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
- ^ "Death of long-serving Met concertmaster". Slipped Disc. October 3, 2021. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
- ^ "Raymond Gniewek Obituary (1931–2021) | Bonita Springs, Florida". echovita.com. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
External links[edit]
- Raymond Gniewek discography at Discogs
- Raymond Gniewek at IMDb
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