News Briefs: April 17, 2025 | EarRelevant

EarRelevant Staff | 17 APR 2025

North Carolina Symphony double bassist Erik Dyke passes away at 69

RALEIGH, North Carolina— Erik Dyke, a longtime double bassist with the North Carolina Symphony, passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 69.

Born in October 1955, Dyke joined the Symphony in 1978 and performed with the ensemble for more than four decades, participating in both public concerts and educational outreach programs across the state.

In addition to his orchestral work, Dyke played a key role in the Symphony’s music and literacy initiative for pre-kindergarten students. Known for his warm and engaging personality, he was a familiar face to concertgoers and community members, often seen cycling to and from performances.

“Erik left his mark on the hearts and minds of Symphony patrons, young and old,” the Symphony said in a statement. “It is bittersweet to bid farewell to someone who enriched so many lives with his kindness, inspiring presence, and extraordinary talent.”

Dyke is survived by his wife, Anne Larson, and their son, Thor. The North Carolina Symphony’s performances during the weekend following his passing were dedicated to his memory. ■

David Chan appointed Professor of Violin at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music

HOUSTON, Texas— David Chan, longtime concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, has been appointed Professor of Violin at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, effective fall 2025.

Chan brings over two decades of experience at the Met, where he has served as concertmaster for 25 seasons. He is also a seasoned educator, having held faculty positions at The Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music.

At Shepherd, Chan will oversee a full violin studio, teach orchestral repertoire, coach chamber music ensembles, and participate in creative labs focused on new commissions and ensemble development.

Matthew Loden, Dean of the Shepherd School of Music, highlighted Chan’s appointment as part of the school’s ongoing efforts to enhance its orchestral program. “David’s vast experience with the orchestral and operatic repertoire and his gift for teaching the next generation of talent is a perfect fit for Shepherd’s ensemble-building focus,” Loden said.

The Shepherd School, currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, has seen its graduates join top-ranking orchestras worldwide, a success attributed to its distinguished faculty and specialized instruction.

Chan expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I’ve had the privilege of making music at the very highest level for the past 25 years in one of the world’s great orchestras. Now, the time has come in my career to share everything I’ve learned with the young people who represent the future of our magnificent art. Joining the fantastic community of colleagues and students at Rice is the perfect opportunity to do that.” ■

Fred Cohn named Features Editor of Musical America

NEW YORK, New York— Fred Cohn, a New York-based music critic and veteran classical music journalist, has been appointed features editor for Musical America International Directory of the Performing Arts, the publication announced.

Cohn succeeds London-based Clive Paget, who held the role for five years and will continue contributing news and performance reviews. Paget followed Sedgwick Clark, who led the editorial direction of the Directory since 1993 and was a prominent figure in the performing arts industry.

As features editor, Cohn will oversee the annual Musical America Awards and manage the tribute articles for award recipients, which are published in the Directory’s digital edition on MusicalAmerica.com. Cohn is a former editor of Opera America magazine and a regular contributor to Musical America and other media outlets.

“In the world of classical music and the arts, Musical America has long been the gold standard,” Cohn said in a statement. “It is an honor to play a part in upholding that standard.”

Stephanie Challener, publisher of Musical America, said she welcomed Cohn’s appointment. “I’m so pleased to have someone with Fred’s depth of experience in this job; I very much look forward to working with him.”

Founded in 1898 as a weekly newspaper, Musical America now exists as both a website and an annual online Directory widely regarded as an essential industry resource. ■

EXTERNAL LINKS:

North Carolina Symphony: ncsymphony.org
Shepherd School of Music: music.rice.edu/>
Musical America: musicalamerica.com

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