Victor Aitay, Concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony 1967-1986
This week, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra lost one of its heroes. Longtime CSO veteran Victor Aitay died on Tuesday, July 24. A role model on and off the stage, Aitay served as Assistant Concertmaster, Concertmaster and Concertmaster Emeritus for the Chicago Symphony between 1956 and 2003.
Here are a few reminiscences from colleagues David Taylor and Henry Fogel.
David Taylor on Victor and George Szell
David Taylor on Victor and the CSO Strad
David Taylor on Victor as concertmaster
David Taylor on Victor the Holocaust survivor
David Taylor on Victor the romantic
Henry Fogel and breadth of knowledge
Henry Fogel and Victor as role model
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the DePaul University School of Music or the Merit School of Music.
