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SALT LAKE CITY — Joseph "Joey" Silverstein the former director of the Utah Symphony for 15 years and concertmaster for the Boston Symphony Orchestra for two decades, died Sunday in Massachusetts at the age of 83.
Silverstein, a violin virtuoso, became the fifth director of the Utah Symphony in 1983, a position he held until retiring at the end of the 1998 season, and was named as conductor laureate.
"We are saddened to learn of the death of our former Music Director, Joseph Silverstein. On behalf of the board and staff of Utah Symphony/Utah Opera, I want to express my condolences to Adrienne and his family," said Interim President and CEO Patricia A. Richards.
"As music director for 15 years, Maestro Silverstein's tenure was surpassed only by Maurice Abravanel, and he had a profound influence on the orchestra and our community. He was a great violinist, a wonderful musician and a generous leader. He will be remembered with respect and fondness."
When Silverstein took the job as Utah Symphony director, the organization was beset by financial difficulties and was struggling through a time of controversy surrounding the termination of the contract of his predecessor.
"He came at a time when a steady hand and a huge heart were needed, and he is a strong part of anything we accomplish today. I met him only once, but I recall our conversation well and will always remember him as a gentleman and an artist of the highest caliber. I pass his picture every time I come to Abravanel Hall, and I know that this legendary man will always be an important part of our story. I offer my deepest condolences to his family," Thierry Fischer, Utah Symphony's current music director said in a prepared statement.
When he left, former Gov. Mike Leavitt declared a "Joseph Silverstein Day'' in Utah to honor the beloved director.
During his tenure with the Utah Symphony, 11 recordings were released. He also conducted the symphony during their European tour in 1986.
Concertmaster Ralph Matson noted at the time of Silverstein's retirement in 1998 that his greatest accomplishment was "the level of musical integrity he has brought to the podium. This has been unquestioned and constant and is something of great significance. Much of his tenure has taken place during difficult times for the organization, but he has always given us continuity and stability.''
"I am very saddened to hear of the death of Joseph Silverstein. I joined the Utah Symphony at the tail end of his tenure here, and it was the knowledge of his exceptional playing and musicianship that drew me to this organization," said David Porter, a violinist with the symphony for 20 years. "Joey, both as a violinist and conductor, performed with a minimum of fuss and believed simply in leading by example, a trait also exemplified by students of his in leadership roles in the Utah Symphony. His passing is a great loss to our musical community."
Silverstein was born in Detroit in 1932. He became concertmaster of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1962, a position he held for 22 years.
Even after stepping down as the Utah Symphony's director, Silverstein continued to perform, making several return visits to Utah. He also held positions with orchestras in Florida and Portland and was a professor of violin in Philadelphia.
According to media reports, one of his last performances, last month, was a benefit concert for the new Center for Beethoven Research at Boston University.
The Utah Symphony announced Sunday it will pay tribute to Silverstein during its upcoming performances on Dec. 4 and 5 at Abravanel Hall.
