Yakov Kreizberg 1959-2011

His untimely and tragic death yesterday will leave a huge hole in the heart of the Principality’s national orchestra, where the Russian-born Kreizberg arrived in 2008 and where he made a profound impact in his three years at the helm.

He was much loved, not only as a brilliant conductor, one of the world’s most revered and renowned, not only as a intuitive and passionate musician, but also as a warm, open, intelligent and charming person, someone remarkable for both their astonishing humility and deep sense of humanity.

A statement released on the OPMC website expressed the deep sadness of the orchestra on hearing the news of Mr Kreizberg’s death. The statement continued: “It did not take long [after his arrival in Monaco] for him to establish a deep musical and human connection with the musicians." They went on to say that Kreizberg had left his mark on the orchestra with the OPMC record label that he helped to create and that he will be remembered for his memorable concerts and the great happiness he gave to the public.

Mr Kreizberg is survived by his wife, the conductor Amy Andersson, and their two sons.

For his family the loss is insurmountable and for others in the Principality, not least the musicians of the OPMC, his absence will be keenly felt, his presence greatly missed.

Yakov Kreizberg (1959 – 2011)

A full obituary will follow in April's issue of The Riviera Times