Longtime Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Musician Delmar Stewart Dies at 73

August 15, 2023 JMORE Staff

In addition to being an accomplished violist and luthier, Delmar Allen Stewart enjoyed playing the jazz guitar and harmonica. (Photo courtesy of Sol Levinson and Bros.)

Delmar Allen Stewart always told family members that he hoped to die with his viola in his hands.

Stewart, a violist for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for the past 46 years, passed away suddenly on Saturday evening, Aug. 12, only hours after performing at the BSO’s “Summer With The Symphony Donor Appreciation Concert” at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The Mount Washington resident and luthier was 73.

“Baltimore Symphony Musicians are devastated by the sudden passing of beloved violist Delmar Stewart, who played his last concert with us Saturday night,” read a statement from the BSO. “Delmar was a kind, gentle, and graceful presence who will be deeply missed by all who were privileged to work with him.

“Delmar played a viola he made himself in the BSO and helped a great many BSO string players with their instruments, as well as BSM parents of young string players,” the statement read. “Delmar said he loved to make young people enjoy their instruments and want to practice. Our deepest sympathies to his family.”

Michael Lisicky, an oboist for the BSO, said he and his colleagues were “stunned” by the news of Stewart’s passing. “I will miss him terribly once next season begins,” Lisicky said. “We often sat close to each other and shared many laughs and deep thoughts off the stage. He was a warm and wonderful person.”

Stewart is survived by his wife, Aliza Lidovsky Stewart; his daughter, Miriam Stewart; his grandchild Eliana Pancake; his child Sable Stewart and their spouse Bran Lennox; and his grand-dog Saoirse. He is also survived by his sister Susan Chalian and her husband Michael Chalian, and two brothers, Nelson Stewart and Warren Stewart and his wife Nika Korniyenko.

Memorial services were held Wednesday morning, Aug. 16, at Sol Levinson’s Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Rd. in Pikesville. Contributions in Stewart’s memory may be sent to Doctors Without Borders at donate.doctorswithoutborders.org.

“Together, we managed to create a loving family … a big tent of love,” Aliza Stewart said in her eulogy for her husband of 48 years. “Delmar is not gone. He’s with me everywhere. I never want him to leave.”

Said Miriam Stewart: “I’m so grateful to have known him and have him as a father. We could not have been luckier.”

The family will be in mourning at 2703 Steele Rd. on Friday, Aug. 18, from 4-6 p.m.

“We are saddened by the news of Delmar’s passing,” wrote Lori Kirr, president and CEO of the International Violin Co. in Baltimore. “He was a friend and customer here at International Violin for over 30 years. We also enjoyed his visits and upbeat personality and smile. Sending prayers of comfort to the family. RIP Delmar, we will miss you.”

A commemoration service for Stewart was held on Aug. 16.