Donald McCall Obituary
Donald Trent McCall died age 93 on August 8th 2025 in Santa Barbara, CA. Mr. McCall was born June 30th 1932 in Kansas City, MO, to Wilma Clara Coburn and Trenouth McCall.
Donald McCall's remarkable career as a cellist took him to the most distinguished festivals and the great concert halls of Europe and the world. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Donald studied under the guidance of esteemed cellists Leonard Rose and Gregor Piatigorsky and was the Winner of the prestigious Naumburg Award. His career also included many decades of teaching including at the respected Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK.
His legacy lives on through his exceptional artistry, his recordings with the Lenox Quartet as well as the Trio Da Vinci and his contribution to the classical music world through the outstanding cellists he has taught.
He was also known for his incredible knowledge of the Arts. A lover of books and travel, he was an ardent cook that was well known for his deep friendships and sense of humor. He was introduced to a Buddhism practice twenty five years ago that became his spiritual practice.
He is survived by his wife, Karine McCall, daughters Geraldine Gottesman and Heather McCall, his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren and sister Sherry Wink. His son Alexander Trent McCall, whom he shared a birthday with, passed away 2001.
There will be a private Memorial concert in his name at the end of Sept 2025.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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