Irving M. Klein (1917-1984)

Virtuoso chamber musician, master cello teacher, and compassionate friend, Irving M. Klein served as the primary exemplar of his own convictions about musical education. He spent a lifetime in pursuit of excellence in musical performance, and he possessed a rare gift for discerning and supporting the highest motivations in others, so that wherever he lived he was continually at the growing center of a flourishing musical community.

For eighteen years he performed in this country and abroad with the Claremont String Quartet, a group he co-founded. Acclaimed as one of the finest ensembles of that era, they represented the United States Department of State in cultural exchange programs in Europe, Africa, and South America. Klein was chairman of the String Department of the North Carolina School of the Arts, and taught at Pennsylvania State University, Peabody Conservatory, University of Delaware, Goucher College and the College of Notre Dame. He performed with the CBS Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Leopold Stokowski’s All American Youth Orchestra, and the Musica Aeterna Orchestra. He founded the California Music Center in 1971 and was its director for thirteen years.

Irving Klein dedicated his life to music and to humanity. It was his talent to create that very special atmosphere of inquiry, respect, and love that served to activate the creative efforts of his musical colleagues, students and friends. He touched many lives gently and yet so profoundly that his spirit and example will shine on through them for generations to come.