SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 67
In Memory
of
Paul Olefsky
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of noted cellist and conductor Paul
Olefsky, who died recently; and
WHEREAS, Paul Olefsky was born in 1926 to prominent Russian
immigrant musicians Maxim and Rita Olefsky; he began his study of
music under Johan Lingeman and Daniel Saidenberg and later
studied with Pablo Casals in France, with Herbert von Karajan at
the Mozarteum, and with Pierre Monteux; he graduated from the
Curtis Institute in 1947 and went on to win first prize at the
Naumburg International Solo Competition and at the Michaels
Memorial International Solo Competition; and
WHEREAS, He was the youngest musician to serve as the
principal cellist for the Philadelphia Orchestra, with whom he
appeared as soloist in the premiere performance of the Virgil
Thomson Cello Concerto, in Carnegie Hall, with Eugene Ormandy; he
appeared in a wide range of international concerts and
broadcasts, and he performed on numerous celebrated recordings;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Olefsky played an important role in numerous
music festivals, including the Amatius International Music
Festival and the Amatius Chamber Music Series at the Dell Campus
in Austin; he was in much demand and appeared in premiere
performances of works by such composers as Ginastera, Gonzalez,
and Kodaly; and
WHEREAS, He taught for many years at the Butler School of
Music at The University of Texas at Austin and served as director
of the Plan II Honors Chamber Music Program before retiring as
professor emeritus; the Paul Olefsky Cello Scholarship was
established at the school in his honor; he also served on the
faculty at the Peabody Conservatory and the Hartt School; and
WHEREAS, A man of strength, determination, and great
creativity, he gave unselfishly to others, and his generous
spirit and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will
not be forgotten; and
WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband and father, and he leaves
behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and
countless friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere
condolences to the bereaved family of Paul Olefsky; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Paul Olefsky.
Watson
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on June 14, 2013, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate