Eugene Fodor

Last week was a double loss--Colorado lost a native son  and the classical music world lost a history maker.  The great violinist, Eugene Fodor passed away on February 26 at age 60.   This artist made his impact on the classical music world by becoming the first

American to achieve the top prize in the International Tchaikovsky Competition.  The year was 1974 during the height of the Cold War.  Being an impressionable young musician I remember the excitement.  He was a hero of the classical music world.  And a hero of mine.  I was lucky enough to hear him play live at the Saratoga festival in the late 70's. 

Eugene was a charming ambassador for classical music able to bridge the gap between the concert hall and popular culture.  But with fame also came infamy.  An arrest for drug possession in 1989 stalled his promising career.   He continued to record and perform but it was never the same.

Investigate his videos on You Tube to hear more from this talented violinist.  Rest in peace, Eugene Fodor.  May the memory of your artistry live on.