Dr. Joel Berman

About

Juilliard School

Joel Berman Obituary

VIOLINIST, PROFESSOR

Dr. Joel Berman, esteemed violinist and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather died November 27, 2024 at age 97, wearing his jauntiest cap after suffering a massive stroke. He was surrounded by family and friends until the end. A professor emeritus at the University of Maryland College Park, Joel served on the violin and chamber music faculty for 31 years. In addition, he served on the faculty of the Chamber Music Conference and Composers' Forum of the East at Bennington College for over 50 years. As concertmaster of both the American Camerata for New Music and the Alexandria Symphony, and Conductor of the JCC Orchestra, Joel collaborated with thousands of musicians and contemporary composers over decades – including premiering a multitude of contemporary works. He conducted a 19-year-old Yo-Yo Ma, played at John F. Kennedy's inauguration, and performed the Brahms Opus 111 string quintet for the opening of the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Joel graduated Juilliard with a Bachelor's in Violin Performance, earned a Masters in Education from Columbia, and a Doctorate of Violin Performance from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Joel is survived by his wife of 50 years, Alice Bailey Berman; and their daughter Ilana Krechmer (husband, Daniel); and children Ariana Finesmith (husband, Robin), David Berman, and Mara Berman from his first marriage to Doris Berman. Surviving grandchildren are Michael Janse, Benjamin Janse (wife, Jane Bradley), Sanal Finesmith, Ridley Krechmer, Margo Krechmer, and great-grandson, Simon Bradley-Janse – and a cherished extended family. He was predeceased by his devoted sister Eileen Friedlaender, and beloved daughter Rachel Janse (husband, Bud).

Joel's heart soared when playing chamber music with friends – as he did just a week before he passed. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chamber Music Conference East. Please designate 'Financial AidFund in memory of Joel Berman' at https://cmceast.org/support.php

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 1, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Joel Berman

9 Entries

Susan Blumberg

June 21, 2025

I am sorry to hear of Joel Berman´s passing..He was my private violin teacher during my high school years. It´s because of him that I learned how to practice, the art of being disciplined and with his encouragement, ultimately became a
professional violinist..

Ariana Finesmith

January 28, 2025

I have a lifetime (71 years) of memories. I remember at the age of three listening at the feet of my father practicing violin and playing the most cheerful and beautiful music. Those cherished memories will always be with me, a true gift.

Sheryl (Krohn) Greenbaum Genco

January 3, 2025

He was my graduate professor at U of Maryland in the 70s. He gave me the skills and confidence to pursue a performing career in a major orchestra. After doing well in auditions, I was hired by Michael Tilson Thomas to be a member of the Buffalo Philharmonic. I treasure my music experience with Joel. A truly special person and musician!

Abby N Wells

December 24, 2024

The days go by, and then the weeks, but the memories don´t fade. My favorite are of Joel playing with Illana when she was about five years old, crawling onto his lap in the Bennington cafeteria. She was all over him, and while he sat there patiently, filled with pride and joy, the interaction was pure reciprocal love. He took that squiggly creature into his arms and hugged her until she squealed with delight. I smile now thinking about it. And of course there was the yellow scooter. What an appropriate vehicle for the flamboyant Joel, never the daredevil, but still the "look at me" guy. His playing was intense, sincere, and communicative. He didn´t have much patience for those who just "played at" something without heart and soul. He was sometimes hard on amateur musicians who were trying to play notes, but who lacked his passion.

I´ve missed the yellow scooter, the Joel wise cracks, and the Bermans as a couple. Colgate would have been a little difficult to navigate but I kept hoping you both would appear as a surprise for all of us.

With the patriarch of the family missing, this period of holiday cheer must be very sorrowful for all of you. I am thinking of you and sending my heartfelt condolences.

Sincerely,
Abby Wells

December 7, 2024

May God's promise found in John 6:40, of the hope to see our loved ones again, comfort your heart and give you peace, strength, and hope in the days ahead.

The Seltzers

Planted Trees

Paula S. Washington

December 2, 2024

To my knowledge, Joel Berman was the only person at the CMC to coach a quartet from the inside. I always signed up. Not only did he have an encyclopedic knowledge of Beethoven and Bartok, but his enthusiasm was infectious. I loved seeing him zip around the Bennington campus on his yellow scooter. He was the world's oldest teenager, the epitome of joie de vivre. I send my deepest condolences to Alice and his whole family. May we honor him by living his life lessons as well as his musical instruction.

Leslie Luxemburg

December 1, 2024

Sincere condolences to the entire family on the loss of such a special person in our DC music community.

David Oei

December 1, 2024

Joel's Bennington vehicle (8/9/15) and quartet reading with Alice, Eriko Sato and Mike Finckel (8/11/16). Deepest condolences and sending all our love. David & Eriko.

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