Violinist Daniel Shindarov has Died, Aged 96

He was the former student of David Oistrakh and concertmaster of the San Francisco Opera and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra

Born in Russia, Shindarov began his violin studies with Piotr Stolyarsky — who also taught Misha Elman, Nathan Milstein, and David Oistrakh. Shindarov later received his master's degree in violin from the Moscow Conservatory under Oistrakh’s tutelage.

Before he left the USSR for America in 1975, Shindarov served as concertmaster of the Bolshoi Opera and Moscow's Ballet Theatre Orchestra.

Following his arrival to America, he became concertmaster of the San Francisco Opera orchestra and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. He performed with ensembles such as the Master Symphony Orchestra and Seattle Symphony and was also featured on many film scores. 

“Shindarov is a master of all sorts of technical violinistic challenges, including double-stops, flying staccato passages, and difficult left hand pizzicati while simultaneously bowing with the right,” wrote Clint Erney from the Santa Ana Register. 

“Not since Ruggiero Ricci appeared here have we heard virtuoso playing like this,” Erney continued. “Clearly, Shindarov is one of the brightest jewels.”

Shindarov played well into his 80s and 90s. While performing at age 87, he was described by Geoffrey Maingart from Hollywood Today as “still one of the great violinists in the world. It is hard to believe that he is 87 and even harder to believe what he is able to do with the violin.”

The violinist’s final performances took place this year, where he was invited to perform at select concerts. He lived in Hollywood, California, and was also the author of a Russian violin book, titled “Prima Musica.” 

Our condolences to Mr. Shindarov’s family, friends, and colleagues.

JOHANNES BRAHMS | HUNGARIAN DANCE NO. 17 | ARR. FRITZ KRIELSER | DANIEL SHINDAROV | SERGEY SILVANSKIY | 2010