Roman Totenberg, virtuoso violinst, beloved teacher, has died at 101.

Roman Totenberg in Poland, 2000.  Photo: Tomasz Skowronski. Wikimedia Commons image.

Roman Totenberg in Poland, 2000. Photo: Tomasz Skowronski. Wikimedia Commons image.

Was Still Teaching … Even On His Deathbed

I am saddened to inform you of the passing of our esteemed colleague and dear friend, Professor Emeritus of Music Roman Totenberg.

A survivor of two world wars, Roman offered the world hope and love through his extraordinary music-making. First guided in his art by 19th century masters such as Flesch and Enescu, his legacy is a testimony to the power of human strength and resilience.

Throughout our long and wonderful relationship with him, he always kept BU and its students in his heart; now, we will forever hold him in ours.   We are so grateful to have known such a unique and generous artist and human being; more than a virtuoso, he was a true global citizen who bridged three centuries with his artistry and teaching.

Our thoughts are with his family.

Details of his memorial service will be posted here when they are announced.

BU Today obituary