Remembering Antonio Lysy: Dancing to the Music He Created and Performed
Antonio Lysy, a renowned cellist who taught at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2024. His virtuosic performances and astounding creativity left a lasting impact on the academic and artistic community at UCLA and beyond.
Lysy's style as a performer was warm, expressive, and deeply connected to his audience. His extroverted performances, punctuated with gestures that captured the spirit and energy of the piece, were admired by many. His performances spanned multiple continents, including performances with London's Royal Philharmonic, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Camerata Strumentale di Prato.
Lysy was not just a talented performer but also a dedicated teacher. He introduced his student, Euan Shields, to Neal Stulberg, who helped him find opportunities to learn conducting as a cello student. Lysy's students, including Shields, found it difficult to play without breaking down after hearing the news of his death.
Kaya Ralls, a third-year cello performance major, remembered Lysy as a demanding teacher who emphasised the importance of technique and energy in music. His students felt valued and part of their studio, a sentiment echoed by Inna Faliks. Eileen Strempel, the inaugural dean of the School of Music, described Lysy as having a profound appreciation of aesthetic beauty, which was beautifully reflected in his music.
Lysy's retirement concert, the Cellobration on November 10, 2023, was a testament to his influence. Forty participants, including former students who flew from great distances, came together for a cello choir. Movses Pogossian, professor of violin performance, dedicated a memorial to Lysy in his March concert. Pogossian was hired as a UCLA violin professor in 2007, a decision made by Lysy himself.
In honour of Lysy, the UCLA string chamber group "Camarades" dedicated its winter Vivaldi concert to him, and on the day of the UCLA Philharmonia's annual All-Star concert, conductor Neal Stulberg dedicated the concert to Antonio Lysy.
Lysy's elegance of character, generosity of spirit, and empathy were universally echoed by colleagues and students. These characteristics suffused his teaching and his art, making him a beloved figure at UCLA.
In the wake of his passing, notable events have been held in his memory, such as the concert "Alchymia: Antonio Lysy and friends" at the BroadStage in Santa Monica on December 17, 2023. These events emphasise the respect and admiration held for Lysy within the musical community and serve to honour his legacy.
[1] Source: UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music website and local news reports.
- Antonio Lysy's electrifying performances, marked by his expressive style and energetic gestures, often showcased his prowess in music, captivating audiences across various continents.
- Beyond his exceptional skills as a performer, Lysy was also a dedicated teacher, instilling in his students the importance of technique and energy in music, making an lasting impact on their lives and careers.
