Bob Lankow was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born on August 12, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, to a family of musicians. His father was a pianist, and his mother was a violinist. From a young age, Lankow was exposed to classical music and developed a deep passion for it. Lankow began his musical journey by learning to play the piano at the age of five. He showed exceptional talent and quickly progressed to more advanced pieces. At the age of ten, he started playing the violin and found that he had a natural affinity for the instrument. He continued to study both instruments throughout his childhood and teenage years. In 1968, Lankow enrolled at the Juilliard School in New York City, one of the most prestigious music schools in the world. He studied under some of the most renowned violinists of the time, including Ivan Galamian and Dorothy DeLay. During his time at Juilliard, Lankow honed his skills and developed a unique style that would later become his trademark. After graduating from Juilliard in 1972, Lankow began his professional career as a soloist and chamber musician. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented violinists of his generation. His performances were characterized by his technical precision, emotional depth, and musicality. Lankow's career highlights include numerous performances with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also performed at some of the most renowned music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival and the Tanglewood Music Festival. In addition to his solo career, Lankow was also a dedicated chamber musician. He was a founding member of the Lankow String Quartet, which was formed in 1975. The quartet quickly gained a reputation for their innovative interpretations of classical works and their commitment to new music. They performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe and recorded several critically acclaimed albums. Throughout his career, Lankow received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1982, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. He was also a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and the Guggenheim Fellowship. Lankow was known not only for his musical talent but also for his dedication to teaching. He was a professor of violin at the Juilliard School from 1980 until his retirement in 2015. He was a beloved teacher who inspired countless students to pursue careers in music. Sadly, Bob Lankow passed away on June 15, 2018, at the age of 67. His legacy lives on through his recordings, his students, and the countless musicians he inspired throughout his career. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest violinists of his generation and a true champion of classical music.

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