Michael Davis | 1937-2008
Violinist stood out as performer, teacher
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 3:12 AM
By Gary Budzak

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Michael Davis
Violinist Michael Davis, concertmaster of the Lancaster Festival Orchestra for all of its 20 seasons, died Sunday at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He was 70.

The cause of death was amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), said his partner, Nelson Harper.

Davis, who was born in Hull, England, was also a professor emeritus of violin in the Ohio State University School of Music, where he taught for many years.

"We were expecting to attend a performance of his in another couple of months, so that's heartbreaking," said Mellasenah Morris, director of the school. "Everyone loved him. He was such a fine gentleman and a wonderful artist, great teacher, great colleague."

Davis was a former concertmaster of the Columbus Symphony, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra of Columbus, Columbus Bach Ensemble and Scottish National Orchestra.

A student of noted violinists Yehudi Menuhin and Max Rostal, Davis recorded 12 albums and performed frequently in central Ohio.

He lived in Upper Arlington.

Other colleagues offered e-mail tributes to Davis.

"Our community has lost a deeply caring artist," wrote Ruth Triplett Haddock, executive director of the Jefferson Academy of Music at OSU. "Michael Davis has been a personal friend for more than 40 years and a friend to the musical arts and music students throughout a life cut too short by a tragic illness."

"Michael's extraordinary musical gifts proved to mean something greater than just performing," wrote Gary Sheldon, conductor of the Lancaster Festival Orchestra. "He showed that music can teach something about humanity, about connecting people with their families and with their communities. . . . He was ultimately an educator who gave something from his heart to every student, every orchestra and every audience."

"Michael Davis added greatly to the spirit of the Lancaster Festival," wrote Lou Ross, executive director. "Michael was a joy to be with and to listen to. He will be sorely missed."

A tribute concert is scheduled for May 5 at OSU. No funeral is planned.

Condolences can be sent to www.schoedinger.com.