The Austrian-born violist, 61, had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2022
Austrian-born violist Christof Huebner died on 2 March 2025, aged 61. He died of esophageal cancer, diagnosed in early 2022, at his home in Baltimore, in the presence of his wife, Kate Zahradnik.
Huebner was born in Graz and embarked on his musical studies at Vienna’s Conservatory of Music and University of Music with Hatto Beyerle of the Alban Berg Quartet. He joined the Vienna State Opera at the age of 19, performing also with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic.
He received a Fulbright scholarship to move to the US, where he studied with Michael Tree at the St Louis Conservatory. Deciding to stay in the US, he maintained positions with Musicians from Marlboro and the Boston Symphony, and went on to found and lead the Walden Chamber Players in Boston for 23 years.
He was a member of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra for 27 years, serving as violist and former artistic director. The orchestra stated it was ‘deeply saddened’ by Huebner’s passing:
‘He was a dedicated musician and valued colleague, whose sharp wit left a lasting impact both on and off the stage. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with Christof’s family, loved ones, and all the musicians who had the privilege of performing alongside him.’
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