Birth

:

February 24, 1923 in Philadelphia, PA

Death

:

February 25, 2010 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

David Soyer was a renowned cellist and founding member of the Guarneri Quartet, one of the most celebrated string quartets in the world. Born on February 24, 1923, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Soyer began playing the cello at the age of nine. He studied with Emanuel Feuermann and Diran Alexanian at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1944. After completing his studies, Soyer joined the NBC Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Arturo Toscanini. He also played with the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. In 1947, Soyer became the principal cellist of the Cleveland Orchestra, where he played for three years before joining the Boston Symphony Orchestra as principal cellist in 1950. In 1954, Soyer co-founded the Guarneri Quartet with violinists Arnold Steinhardt and John Dalley and violist Michael Tree. The quartet quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and innovative interpretations of classical works. They performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and recorded over 80 albums during their 45-year career. One of the highlights of Soyer's career with the Guarneri Quartet was their performance at the White House for President Jimmy Carter in 1979. They also performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center, among other prestigious venues. Soyer was known for his expressive playing and his ability to blend seamlessly with his fellow musicians in the quartet. In addition to his work with the Guarneri Quartet, Soyer was a respected soloist and chamber musician. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also collaborated with pianist Emanuel Ax and violinist Isaac Stern, among others. Soyer was the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1983, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan. He also received the Avery Fisher Prize in 1979, the Cleveland Quartet Award in 1994, and the Harvard University Arts Medal in 2002. Soyer was a dedicated teacher and mentor to many young musicians. He taught at the Manhattan School of Music, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Juilliard School, among other institutions. He also served as the artistic director of the Marlboro Music School and Festival in Vermont for many years. David Soyer passed away on February 25, 2010, at the age of 87. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest cellists of his generation, and as a founding member of one of the most celebrated string quartets in history. His contributions to the world of classical music will continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians to come.

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