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GABRIEL BANAT Obituary
The New York Philharmonic mourns the passing, on July 23, of Gabriel Banat, a violinist championed by Bartok, Enesco, and Milstein who served in the Orchestra, 1970-93, and was known for his deep friendships with colleagues, prolific writing, and love of chamber music. We extend deepest condolences to his wife, Diana, children, grandchildren, and step-children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GABRIEL BANAT
Howard Heller
July 26, 2024
Bittersweet irony - a few days ago I came across a flyer which Gabby had sent me announcing his book - "The Chevalier De Saint-Georges - Virtuoso of the Sword and the Bow" - with a personal inscription, mentioning some of our old friends.
Originally set aside as something to look at some other time - it's now a cherished memento.
The memories of Gabby never fade - always bringing smiles, along with feelings of gratitude for the time we spent together.
Deborah Hautzig
November 19, 2023
Cathy, you will surely not remember me but my father, Walter Hautzig, was good friends with your father and I have photos of you and me and your father and my father. I will always remember your father, such a gentle, elegant person, and I was only 3 when I first met him. You were a bit younger. He outlived my father by one year.
Happy memories of all of us. My condolences.
Cowan Kathen
December 6, 2018
Gabriel had a huge influence on my life. At a time when I was a lost soul in a confusing world, he reached into my fog and pulled me out. His passion for his art and belief that I, too, had the ability and passion, gave me the greatest gift of all ~ that of the violin and music. I will forever be grateful.
ARMANDO LECUONA
March 10, 2017
ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS EVER
Kwan Park
August 25, 2016
This is KwanBin from Seattle. I was loss for words upon hearing his passing. He was the most influential person in my life, not only as a mentor of the world of violin and music, but as a generous father figure. I'll cherish the memories of him everlastingly and hold dear to my heart his teaching.
My deepest condolences. Sincerely,
KwanBin
Rhonni Hallman
August 23, 2016
Gabriel was an enormous influence in my life and a major reason I followed the path to becoming a professional musician. He was always a caring and exciting figure to look up to. I will always carry him in my heart and will miss him greatly. My love to Diana and all his family and friends.
shlomo luwish
August 10, 2016
Condolences to the Banat family from a former student. I gained so so much from him for many years.
Shlomo Luwish
August 8, 2016
My condolences to Gabriel's family. May the God of comfort be with you all in your time of need.
August 8, 2016
Dear Diana,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. What a privilege to have known Gabby!
Penelope and Pasquale Gemma
Leonard Hindell
August 2, 2016
Dear Diana: My heartfelt condolences to you and the entire family. Gabby was a dear friend and colleague. We shared so many memorable experiences. He was always optimistic, encouraging and visionary with a handsome , beaming smile. Warm and cultured, he was enlightening and inspiring. With warm regards to you and your family. Lenny Hindell
Joel Christian MABIALA
August 2, 2016
All my condolences.
Heartfully from Guadeloupe, and with unlimited love
Howard Heller
August 1, 2016
Teacher, Mentor, Friend - since that summer of 1968 playing music and learning. Always happy to run into the people he cared about - who were many - and I was fortunate to be one of them.
Rest well Gabby - I am grateful for your gifts; and send condolences to your family.
August 1, 2016
What a lovely man he was! Warm and funny. We have many happy memories of times together.
Lynda and Art Copeland
Jennifer Brunet
August 1, 2016
My condolences to the Banat family. My grandfather is Paul Ormos. I have heard of Gabby all my life and i know he meant the world to my grandpa. I'm glad he lived such an amazingly accomplished life and had such a large and wonderful family.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Brunet
Edith Ormos-akehoe
August 1, 2016
Cathy, Peter and Diana, please accept our condolences. "Uncle Gaby" was always a bit of a mythical figure for me growing up in Montreal. My grandmother and father would tell me tales about him and the violin, perhaps to inspire me during my childhood violin studies. Imagine when Gaby let me play his violin during one of his Montreal tours! A budding virtuo I wasn't! Very sorry for your loss and please know that my trouts are with you at this time. Kind regards.
Paul Ormos
August 1, 2016
With greatest sorrow, your ever loving chlidhood and rest of your life friend and cousin who will be joining you one of these days soon
Susan Kagan
August 1, 2016
Beloved friend, you will be sorely missed.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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