In Remembrance of Joel Krosnick Cellist, Mentor, and Tireless Advocate for the Art of the Cello

Kate Dillingham, President

We at the VCS mourn the loss of Joel Krosnick, a towering figure in chamber music and an extraordinary cellist whose artistry, intellect, and spirit deeply shaped generations of musicians.

For over four decades, Joel Krosnick served as the cellist of the famed Juilliard String Quartet, a position he held from 1974 to 2016. With the Quartet, he brought profound musical insight and expressive depth to the world’s concert stages, from Carnegie Hall to international festivals, leaving an indelible mark on the chamber music canon. His interpretations of both classical and contemporary repertoire reflected his unwavering curiosity, fierce integrity, and a deep belief in the power of music to speak across generations.

During my studies with Bernard Greenhouse, I had the great privilege to hear a performance of the Schubert Quintet in C Major, Op. 163, D. 956 at Miller Theater at Columbia University, with the Juilliard Quartet and Greenhouse. The combination of Krosnick and Greenhouse, each with a sound so unique and distinctive, left me breathless and in wonder as a young student. The beauty and structure of each musician’s performance, and the extraordinary resonance of both playing their respective Stradivarius cellos in what is arguably the finest work of chamber music ever written, was awe-inspiring.

I believe Joel Krosnick to be one of the greatest inspirations for all cellists, and indeed all musicians, through his devotion to guiding so many students in the art of chamber music and in the discipline of studying and truly comprehending the score and the intention of the composer.

Joel also maintained a long and meaningful relationship with the Violoncello Society of New York. A cherished and distinguished presence within the Society, he contributed as performer, speaker, VCS president from (-to -) and passionate supporter of its mission to celebrate and elevate the art of the cello. His generosity of spirit and unshakable belief in the value of community enriched the Society’s programming and inspired its members.

A life well-lived and a love for music shared with the world, especially with his many friends, students, and colleagues, Joel Krosnick was a giant in our community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.