RONALD KNUDSEN

KNUDSEN, Ronald Boston Symphony Violinist. After a long life and rich career filled with wonderful colleagues and incredible music, Ronald Knudsen passed away peacefully in the comfort of his beloved home surrounded by family at nearly the age of 84. As a highly respected member of Boston's professional musical community, Ron was known as a violinist, conductor and an educator. Throughout his extended career he devoted himself to bringing classical music of all kinds to the widest possible audience. Born in Nebraska and raised in Minnesota, he studied at the MacPhail School of Music in Minneapolis and Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, MD. Following Peabody he was a Tanglewood Music Center Fellow in Lenox, MA, where he served as both the orchestra's concertmaster and soloist. He joined the Boston Symphony violin section in 1965 and served with the BSO until his retirement in 2013. Ron leaves his wife and soulmate of 40 years, Adrienne Hartzell Knudsen, his two children from his previous marriage to Kay Knudsen: Sato Knudsen and wife, Leslie Wisdom; Mayumi Knudsen and husband, Lewis Lear; and four grandchildren: Clara Knudsen, Emma Knudsen, Anna Lear, and Jesse Lear; his sister, Priscilla Knudsen Wheeler and husband, J. R. Wheeler and 3 nieces. A memorial celebration of Ron's life will be held May 31. In lieu of flowers, gifts to the New Philharmonia Music Director Legacy Fund are gratefully appreciated: P.O. Box 610384, Newton, MA 02461.

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