Paul Phillips was a violinist with Chicago Symphony Orchestra for 40 years, performing under acclaimed music directors Georg Solti, Daniel Barenboim and Riccardo Muti.
“He was a truly dedicated violinist, and it was a privilege to be one of his (violin) stand partners for 40 years,” said Blair Milton, a retired member of the CSO’s first violin section. “He was the consummate professional and gentleman, bringing elegance and laughter to every occasion.”
Phillips, 77, died of complications from brain cancer March 27, said his husband, Lloyd Palmiter. He was a longtime Streeterville resident.
Born and raised in Canton, Ohio, Phillips was 4 years old when he was given a violin by his father, who at one time had played the instrument. He took lessons and performed in the Canton Youth Symphony with a friend and future colleague in the CSO, violinist David Taylor.
After high school, Phillips moved to Cleveland, where he studied violin and chamber music at the Cleveland Institute of Music under violinist Endre Granat, assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra
Phillips then followed Granat to Chicago for a time before moving to Indianapolis in 1968 to become a member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. In 1972, Phillips took a position with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. eight years later, as he auditioned for a chair in the orchestra’s first violin section, he learned there was a seat open in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He auditioned for that as well, and was invited by Solti to join the CSO’s second violin section, Palmiter said.
Phillips was promoted to the orchestra’s first violin section in 1988.
At the CSO, Phillips performed for many years using a violin made in 1760 by violin maker Joseph Gagliano. Phillips performed regularly in a chamber group that included Donald Peck, the CSO’s onetime principal flutist, and the CSO’s former orchestral pianist, Melody Lord Lundberg. He also performed with the Chicago Symphony String Quartet.
In a statement, Muti, who is the CSO’s music director emeritus, wrote that he was “profoundly saddened” by Phillips’ death.
“I have lost a dear friend, a wonderful colleague, a marvelous person,” Muti said. “An exemplary artist and gentleman. I will never forget him.”
CSO cellist Brant Taylor said he remembers Phillips as much for his character off the stage as for his professionalism while in the symphony.
“As a colleague, he led by example, embodying the consistency, dedication and high standards that distinguish a musician at the highest level,” Taylor said. “Very often he was the first person on stage before a rehearsal or a concert, warming up and practicing his parts to perfection. Paul was always well-dressed, and while he became a bit less formal in later years, when I joined the CSO in 1998, Paul wore a suit and tie to work every day.”
David Taylor recalled that “even his closets were perfectly organized, with shoes and shirts placed according to color and function,” Taylor said.
Phillips recently served as president of the CSO Alumni Association, which holds annual gatherings with orchestra retirees.
Phillips retired from the CSO in 2020.
In addition to his husband, Phillips is survived by a sister, Sheila Ghezzi.
A private memorial is being planned.
Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.
