Violinist Dmitry Gerikh has Died, Aged 71

For the past 28 years, he played with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and appeared with them as a soloist on numerous occasions

Gerikh received his first violin lessons at age six with Vladimir Kotsuba and by age 13, was studying with Boris Brant at Odessa’s Stolyarsky School for Gifted Children. He later won second prize at the All-Ukraine violin competition and attended the Odessa Conservatory of Music in 1968, studying with Arthur Zissermann.

After serving in the Soviet Navy, Gerikh completed his postgraduate studies at the Gorki Conservatory with Semyon Jaroshevich. He soon joined the Gorki Philharmonic and played in the Chamber Orchestra of the Tula Philharmonic.  

In 1979, he was appointed as concertmaster of the Odessa Philharmonic and formed a baroque ensemble, “Pastoral,” which toured throughout Ukraine and Europe. 

He emigrated with his family to the U.S. in 1989, where he joined the Syracuse Symphony as the assistant principal second violinist. Gerikh also enjoyed a teaching career and his students received music degrees from Ithaca College, Cincinnati Conservatory, and Harvard University. 

“I will always remember our lessons, which not only contained unparalleled humor, but also an extreme expectation of excellence,” wrote Dr. Derek Voigt, a former student. “I would be neither the person nor musician I am today without Dmitry's influence.”

“I am saddened by the unexpected passing of Dmitry Gerikh, long-time member of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra,” VC Artist Nikki Chooi and current Buffalo Philharmonic concertmaster told us.

“Even though I only knew him for a short time, I was inspired by his kindness and his passion for music,” Chooi said. “On behalf of all the musicians in the orchestra, we will miss him dearly.”

Dr. Gerikh is survived by his wife, son, and two grandchildren. 

Our condolences to Dr. Gerikh’s family, friends, students, and colleagues. 

PYTOR TCHAIKOVSKY | MELODIE | DMITRY GERIKH | 2020