Violinist Carl Pini has Passed Away, Aged 87

Australia mourns the loss of one of its most eminent violinists, conductors, and teachers

Born in 1934 in London, he was the son of violinist Barbara Ensor and Anthony Pini, one of Britain's most distinguished cellists of the early twentieth century. Carl's early studies included lessons with Sascha Lasserson, Jascha Heifetz, and Isaac Stern.

Influential in Australia, Pini was the founder and Artistic Director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, concertmaster of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and member of the Sydney String Quartet.

He also co-led the English Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Daniel Barenboim and Pinchas Zuckerman. In 1975, he was appointed as the concertmaster of the Philharmonia Orchestra in London and was later appointed Assistant Conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic in 1981.

He also served as the second violin of the acclaimed London String Quartet and in 1960, became their leader. Pini would play three complete cycles of Beethoven quartets throughout his life with his various quartets.

Pini was an avid teacher and influenced generations of Australian musicians. He held faculty positions at Royal College in London, Sydney Conservatorium, Canterbury University in Christchurch, and the University of Melbourne.

Pini played on the 1732 Carlo Bergonzi violin (now owned by the Chi Mei Foundation in Taiwan) as his instrument of choice throughout his career.

He is survived by his wife Jane Hazelwood, their children Daniel, Elena, and Sebastian, and four children from previous marriages, Simon, Ashley, Matthew, and Nicholas.

Our condolences to Mr. Pini's family, friends, students, and colleagues.

CARL PINI, IRINA MOROZOVA | AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA | CHRISTOPHER NICHOLLS | MOZART SINFONIA CONCERTANTE FOR VIOLIN, VIOLA, AND ORCHESTRA IN E-FLAT MAJOR, K. 364, II. ANDANTE