Ardyth Alton Obituary

ALTON--Ardyth. The Juilliard School mourns the passing of Ardyth Alton, a member of the School's college and precollege cello faculties since 1968. With expertise, artistry and a gentle manner, Ardyth brought the joy of musicmaking and the glories of the violoncello to generations of young musicians. We will deeply miss her elegant and caring persona. Our condolences are extended to her entire family. A concert in her memory with her daughter, cellist Ann Alton, and others performing takes place in Juilliard's Paul Hall (144 W. 66th St.) on Saturday, February 23 at 6pm. Call 212-799-5000 x241 for information. Bruce Kovner, Chairman Joseph W. Polisi, President

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Published by New York Times from Feb. 8 to Feb. 9, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ardyth Alton

10 Entries

Vincent Mantia

February 2, 2023

Vincent Paul Mantia

February 11, 2021

I loved Ardyth dearly, and her effect on my life and my cello playing when I was her student at the Manhattan School of Music defies calculation. Ardyth was in one way 'my cello mother', and in another way the greatest mom anyone could have had next to their birth mom, since Ardyth not only treated every student as part of her family, but she made each of us feel treasured and special as individuals. She knew how to bring out the best in everyone. Under Ardyth's tutelage I played a successful graduation recital and I feel that Ardyth's influence on me was doubly felt as my own mother and family were in the audience to share that success. What Ardyth gave me and I'm sure so many others goes so far beyond just being the great cellist and teacher that she was and continues to be felt in my life every day. I have many wonderful and inspiring stories about my beloved teacher that I could relate, but I would just like to say here, what an incredible person and great woman Mrs Ardyth Alton was and will always be to me, as well as a great master cellist. My fondest condolences always to her daughter Ann and all her family. I would certainly not be me without Mrs. Ardyth Alton.

Peter & Barbara Skentzos

February 29, 2008

Dear Paul,
We had the pleasure of meeting you and your Mother when you vacationed in Florida. She was a warm, kind, very gracious woman. Her love of music and her students was so evident in all the stories she told.
Peter and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Rodrigo Andrade Silveira

February 26, 2008

Dear Ann,

I have no words to express my sadness. I just spoke to your brother Paul and I was very moved with all he said to me. If there was a person who changed my life and was like a mother to me in America, that person was Mrs. Alton. I love her profoundly and I'm sure she will live forever in our hearts. I feel so bad I couldn't be at the concert on saturday but Paul told me it was quiet something! I'd like to extend to you and your family my deepest condolences.

Ardyth Alton was above everything, the kindest, sweetest, most gentle and inspiring human being. I know that all of us who knew her will keep her memory alive. I really owe my life to this blessed woman.

Love forever,

Rodrigo Andrade Silveira

Elaine Anderson

February 20, 2008

Dear Ann,
Madeleine let me know about this. I am really sorry for your loss. Mrs. Alton is a constant inspiration to my playing and teaching; just as you are! I know the memorial concert will be splendid! I really wish I could come.
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Elaine Anderson

Eric Huang

February 19, 2008

I first started taking lessons with Mrs. Alton at the age of 12. She was my first real cello teacher. She stuck with me for 5 years while I proved to be an unruly student. Although I don't really play the cello as much anymore she has influenced my life so much. Her patience, incredible kindness, and her passion for life and music still inspire me. It has been 4 years since I left Juilliard and I have missed her very much. But I feel confident in saying Mrs. Alton has lived a life full of love and beautiful music. Ann, my deepest condolences. I give my greatest of respects to this wonderful woman.

Nanette Koch

February 18, 2008

Ardyth Alton was not only my teacher, but the teacher of many of my students who went on to discover the joys of learning from "Mrs. A". Her nurturing warmth and genuine love of teaching made her the most remarkable teacher. I will never forget her gift of making everyone feel valued.
My sympathies to you, Ann, and to all of us who will miss our dear teacher.

Jane Kim

February 16, 2008

I remember my first lesson with Ardyth way back when at the Killington Music Festival. Upon first meeting, I felt a glow and magical magneticism towards Ardyth. Love at first sight, it was. Her sense of passion and dedication towards teaching shone through both her words and hand. She was my cello mother in the most truthful sense. I will never forget the moments she would yell at the top of her lungs, "SING, SING!". The power and love for her students packaged in this petite woman is greatly moving. I pay my greatest dues of respect to Ardyth Alton.
She will always be in my deepest seat of the heart.

Sara Davis Buechner

February 12, 2008

Ardyth Alton was the epitome of grace, as a musician, teacher and human being. I cannot even once remember her without the warmest of smiles and kindest words of encouragement. Her manner bespoke a wholesale love of, and dedication to, the art of music itself. How privileged her cello students were; and how fortunate I was too, to witness and share in that experience from the accompanist's bench.

She will never be forgotten by her large musical family, who proudly carry on her beautiful legacy. My condolences to Ann and to all those who will miss her dearly, as I do.

Thank you, Ardyth, for your life so wondrously lived, in joy, love of nature and artistic excellence: an undying inspiration.

Noah Hoffeld

February 9, 2008

Dear Ann
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you a gentle time now as you mourn your mother's passing. She was such a wonderful person and you are the most shining tribute to that.

No one had a bigger effect on my life as a musician as Mrs. Alton did. She was the one who said, "sing! sing!" during my cello lessons as a boy and "sing! sing!" is what I tell my students today, and what I strive for in my own playing still. Her wonderful humanity always shone, was never eclipsed by any other interest. I always felt her there as my friend and guide. She didn't push for accomplishment in music, but always emphasized connecting to the music itself. The power of music and of the cello, of the great tradition to which she was heiress, were brilliant and palpable in her presence. Her hands were inspiring to me in themselves to look at. They conveyed something urgent about making music, with love. Thank you, Ardyth, for making the music mine. I wish I had the words to convey what you have meant to me. I think I'll sit and play The Swan instead. I'll never forget you.

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