Frank Ezra Levy

1930 - 2017

Frank Ezra Levy

Frank Ezra Levy, cellist and composer, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, passed away April 23rd after a stroke. He was 86.

Frank was born in Paris to china restorer Else Hammerschlag and legendary Swiss pianist and composer Ernst Levy. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1939 and began studying cello in New York. He graduated from High School of Music and Arts (now LaGuardia) in 1948 and earned a B.S. from Juilliard in 1951 and an M.A. in Musicology from University of Chicago in 1954.

Frank taught at the New School and Brooklyn College, and in 2008-2009 was Composer-in-Residence at Kean University. He played cello for the St. Louis Symphony, the Feldman Chamber Music Society, the Halifax Symphony, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic and numerous Broadway show orchestras, and was principal cellist at Radio City Music Hall for 45 years. Frank was a prolific composer and has 239 published works. He was known for his distinct musical language and is considered an important modern non-avant-garde composer.

Frank was an avid reader and enjoyed cooking, travel, and speaking French and German. He actively promoted his father's music, arranging both publications and performances.

Frank is survived by his wife, Barbara Pogul Rivlin; his daughters from his first marriage, to Audrey Flack, Hannah Marie Marcus and Melissa; his stepchildren Ken Rivlin (Renee) and Claire Rivlin (Patrick Speissegger); his step-grandchildren Madison, Alex, and Toby; his brother Matthys (Julie); his nieces Monica and Jennifer; and other cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local National Multiple Sclerosis Society chapter.