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Stanley Solomon Obituary
April 3, 1917 - February 8, 2015
Stanley Solomon passed away at Mount Sinai Hospital, in Toronto, in his 98th year after a long and wonderfully eventful life.
Survived and cherished by his caring and loving wife Mia Solomon, his daughter Maribeth (Robert Schwartz), his son Lenny (Wendy Solomon) and grandchildren Leah Erbe, Eva Solomon Kadoski (Adam Kadoski) and Zoe Solomon.
Predeceased by his parents, Nathan Solomon and Katie Solomon (Greben) and by his sister Helen and brothers Alan, Joseph and Bill Solomon. Also predeceased by spouses Eve Solomon and Lissa Solomon.
Beloved by many cousins, nieces, nephews and musical friends all over the world.
Stanley enjoyed a fantastic career and life in music. A child prodigy, he studied with Luigi von Kunits and Elie Spivak at the Toronto Conservatory, now Royal Conservatory of Music. He attended the famed Curtis Institute on scholarship, training with Oscar Shumsky, Louis Bailly and Max Aronoff, as a violist.
During RCAF service, 1942-44, he toured Europe and Canada as concertmaster with the RCAF Blackouts Revue. After a brief stint with the Baltimore Symphony, he returned to Toronto and joined the TSO in 1946. He was Principal Violist in the TSO from 1949-1983, then was Principal Emeritus until his retirement in 1988. He played with most of the greats of music during this time, and worked under maestros like Walter Susskind, Seiji Ozawa, and Andrew Davis.
He was a member of the Parlow String Quartet and the Hart House Orchestra under Dr. Boyd Neel. He also managed these and other ensembles and artists under the aegis of his Stanley Solomon Concert Artists Management. He played with the CBC Orchestra, the first Stratford Festival Orchestra and the General Electric Orchestra, among many other wonderful ensembles during this time, forging lifelong friendships. He also was busy in the studio playing on commercial and recording sessions, some even for his son and daughter and her music partner Micky Erbe. He was very proud to do this, and brought bagels to many sessions, which were a trademark.
He travelled extensively with the Symphony and other groups: to Moscow, China and European destinations, opening cultural conversations that continue to flourish.
Also there was golf, keenly played everywhere he went!
He was a mentor, teacher and champion of creative talent in every field.
The family would like to thank Dr. Abe Hirsz and Dr. Andrea Filip for the special care he received from them, as well as the compassionate Dr. Leah Steinberg, Suzette and the 12th Floor Staff at Mount Sinai. Thanks also to his many friends and family who devotedly visited and called to keep his spirits up.
Stanley's friendships with the maestros, musicians and soloists of the day resulted in a life that was a rich tapestry and a snapshot of the burgeoning artistic life of Toronto in the mid-20th Century.
A service will be held at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue), 416-487-4523 on Thursday, February 12th at 3:00 p.m. A private gathering will follow.
Memorial donations may be made to: Toronto Symphony Orchestra, 416-593-7769, [email protected]; Royal Conservatory of Music, 416-408-2824 Ext. 457; or The Actors' Fund of Canada, 416-975-0304, [email protected]. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com
Memories and Condolences
for Stanley Solomon
7 Entries
Lydia Adams
February 21, 2015
What a lovely gentleman and a great player - he will be missed. My sincere condolences to Stanley's family.
Edward Levy
February 11, 2015
My father, Sid Levy, was a long-term colleague of Stanley's in the TSO for many years. Our family recalls Stanley as a kind and congenial person, with a keen sense of humour and zest for life. Please accept deepest sympathy and condolences. He had a long and wonderful life.
Myrna and Edward Levy
Janet Horvath
February 10, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to everyone family, friends and colleagues. My dad George Horvath frequently "hung out" with Stanley and I loved Stankey's wry sense of humor whenever I attended rehearsals or concerts of the TSO. He was a lovely man and he will be fondly remembered. What great contributions to the artistic life of the city! Best Janet Horvath
marie berard
February 10, 2015
My condolences to Mia, Lenny and Wendy and the whole family. My heart is with you on this day. Stan was one of the truest, kindest man I know. It's been an honour to share music and laughter with him.
Jose Shapero
February 10, 2015
Stanley's life indeed was a life well lived. He will always live on in our hearts and prayers. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Jack Zaza
February 10, 2015
With fondest memories
Ann Frederking
February 10, 2015
On behalf of the Canadian Viola Society, I wish to extend condolences to Stanley's family. He was a valued member of the CVS for many years and I remember of meetings at viola events fondly. He will be missed.
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Memorial Events
for Stanley Solomon
Funeral services provided by:
Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles - Newbigging Chapel Limited1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3A8