Violinist Adrian Semo, who served as associate concertmaster of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for three decades, died unexpectedly on Monday, Aug. 28. The Frederick resident, who previously lived in Baltimore and Rockville, died a week before his 90th birthday.
“We are so saddened to hear of Adrian’s passing. He was a loyal customer and friend,” wrote Lori Kirr, president and CEO of the International Violin Co. in Baltimore, on the website of Sol Levinson & Bros. “We loved his visits and the stories he would tell. His talent and passion was unsurpassed. We will miss him and send condolences to the family. A wonderful man, RIP Adrian.”
Posted his daughter, Alina M. Semo, on social media: “He was an amazing person, son, husband, father, grandfather, professional musician and teacher. I will miss him more than words can say — but he’s with me and on my mind always.”
A native of the Romanian capital of Bucharest, Semo was a veteran soloist and chamber musician. He began his violin studies at age 5 and studied with the great Romanian composer, conductor and violinist George Enescu.
Upon graduating from what is now known as the National University of Music Bucharest, Semo joined the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra as first violinist. He was awarded first prize in the Romanian National Competition, and led the baroque classical music quintet Concertino, touring Western Europe and recording on the Electrerecord label.
After relocating to the United States in March of 1973 with his wife, daughter and mother, Semo joined the BSO and performed frequently as a soloist and concertmaster, playing all of the major violin solos in the repertoire. He also gave violin master classes in the BSO’s “American Orchestras on Tour” program, and served on the violin faculty of Essex Community College.
“I remember our days at Bonnie Ridge Apartments and Mr. Semo played with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra,” posted Pikesville resident Sandie Nagel. “We loved when the windows were open and he practiced by the window. It always brought joy to our family.”
After retiring from the BSO in 2003, Semo took only a short respite from performing until joining the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra as a guest concertmaster and the National Philharmonic in North Bethesda. In addition, he mentored advanced violin students in his private studio. For more than 15 years, he taught numerous students and also coached the first violin section of all Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras.
In his spare time, Semo enjoyed traveling overseas with his wife, and was particularly enamored with Italy and its culture.
He is survived by his wife, Nora M. Semo; his daughter, Alina M. Semo (David C. Wolf); and his grandchildren, Alexandra R. Kofsky (Andrew M. Diamond) and Joshua M. Kofsky. He was predeceased by his parents, Raschelle and Benzion Semo.
Graveside services for Semo were held Aug. 31 at Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park in Clarksburg, Maryland. Contributions in his memory can be sent to Hungry for Music at hungryformusic.org/.
The 16-year-old sophomore succumbed to injuries sustained in a car crash last week in Cockeysville.
Schools in Montgomery County have recently experienced a wave of antisemitic incidents.
CCBC Honors scholars are discovering a level of academic rigor and opportunity typically associated with elite four-year institutions.
Filmmaker Justin Schein looks at wealth and inequality through the very real story of his late father.