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September 28, 2001/Tishri 11, 5762, Vol. 54, No. 3
Isaac Stern dies at 81
AMY SARA CLARK
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
NEW YORK - Isaac Stern, one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century, died of heart failure Sept. 22 at a Manhattan hospital. He was 81.
The master violinist, among the last of his generation, was also renowned for his devotion to Carnegie Hall and his successful efforts to help save the building from the wrecking ball.
He became a mentor to many younger musicians, among them violinists Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, the cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the pianist Yefim Bronfman.
Stern was born on July 21, 1920, in the former Soviet Union. He moved with his parents to San Francisco the following year. His mother, Clara, studied voice and began teaching her son piano when he was 6.
Two years later, Stern picked up the violin, studying at the San Francisco Conservatory. He began his professional career when he was 16, debuting with the San Francisco Symphony.
By 1950, Stern had established himself as one of the best young violinists on the concert circuit. He was the first American-trained violinist to achieve such a high level of international recognition.
Stern is survived by his wife, Linda; three children from his second, daughter Shira, a rabbi; sons Michael and David, both conductors; and five grandchildren.
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