TITLE: In memory of Paul Olefsky.

SUMMARY: In memory of Paul Olefsky.

FULL TEXT:
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.