“Hugh Ewart, a gifted violinist who shared his passion for music with Portlanders through organizations ranging from the Oregon Symphony and the Portland Opera to Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree, died April 22 at his home in Portland,” writes Amy Wang in last Wednesday’s (5/10) Oregonian (Portland). “The last sounds he heard were lullabies by Brahms and melodies from his native Scotland … played by his son David, also a violinist and former Oregon Symphony musician.… In addition to his concertmaster responsibilities, Ewart gave private lessons and taught in public schools and at Reed College, Pacific University and Multnomah College.… Hugh Winchester Ewart was born in Bellshill, Scotland, on March 19, 1924…. Ewart grew up in Chicago.… Upon graduating from Juilliard at age 22, he joined the Minneapolis Symphony.… Ewart’s father … taught violin and performed with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, the precursor to the Oregon Symphony.… The younger Ewart applied to the Oregon Symphony for the position of concertmaster, which he was given starting with the symphony’s 1949-50 season. He held the position for 30 years and was named concertmaster emeritus upon his retirement.” Survivors include Ewart’s wife, Esther, and three children. A memorial service is planned on May 21.
Posted May 17, 2017
