Classical music leader and GRAMMY-winning cellist Lynn Harrell has passed away at the age of 76, according to his wife and violinist Helen Nightengale. The late musician’s wife took to Facebook to announce the news on Tuesday. His cause of death has not been disclosed, however a Wednesday statement from Columbia Artists stated that his passing was sudden and unexpected.
As the son of baritone Mack Harrell and violinist Marjorie McAlister Fulton, Harrell was born in New York City and grew up within the world of classical music often frequenting the Metropolitan Opera, where his father performed. He went on to attend and study music at the Julliard School.
Over his illustrious six-decade career, Harrell was considered a staple within the world of classical music, having played at nearly every orchestra throughout the United States and the U.K., as well as having served as an educator for numerous up-and-coming musicians. He served as an instructor at institutions including the Cleveland Institute of Music, London’s Royal Academy of Music and the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, among others.
As a soloist, he became well known in his recordings and performances for his combination of technical capability and creative sonic approach. According to NPR, in 1964 the New York Times wrote that "He has music in his bones, plus a technique that a cellist two or three times his age can envy."
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Harrell earned a total of 10 GRAMMY nominations and two wins in his life. He was first nominated in 1975 in the classical performance instrumental soloist or soloists with orchestra category for "Dvorak: Concerto In B Minor For Cello." He received his first win in 1981 for Best Chamber Music Performance.
