Sections of the BSO: The Strings
Explore the history of the violins, violas, cellos, and double basses that have played in the BSO’s string section over the years, including musicians such as double bassist Ortiz Walton (the orchestra’s first Black player), violinist Ikuko Mizuno (the orchestra’s first Asian player and first woman violin player) and cellist Winofred Winograd (the orchestra’s first woman string player). View some of the extracurricular pastimes of BSO string players, such as founding chamber ensembles, playing chess, composing, and crafting instruments.
BSO string principal players, 1914
Alwin Schroeder (cello), Max Kunze (bass), Anton Witek (concertmaster), Sylvain Noack (assistant concertmaster), Walther Habenicht (2nd violin), Emil Ferir (viola), Alfred Holy (harp).
Photographer unknown
Early Years
Georges Fourel in military uniform, ca. 1913
Fourel served in the French infantry from 1913-1918 before joining the BSO as principal violist in 1921. During World War I, he was wounded twice and was awarded the War Cross (Croix de guerre). He served as principal violist in the BSO until the 1925-1926 season under Serge Koussevitzky, when he asked to be moved back one stand in the viola section. He remained in the section until his retirement in 1954.
Photograph by Montminy & Cie, gift of Jeannie Fourel Cooperman
Georges Fourel's viola, made by Caressa et Francais Luthiers du Conservatoire de Musique, no. 391, Paris, 1912
Georges Fourel was born in Grenoble in 1892. Entering the Paris Conservatory in 1911, he studied violin with Touche and Hayot, and viola under Laforge and Vieux. Two years later he received the Conservatory's First Prize in viola and was given the instrument in this case.
Gift of Jeannie Fourel Cooperman
The BSO String Choir (principal players) for the 1924-1925 Season
Seated, left to right: Georges Fourel (viola), Richard Burgin (Concertmaster), Jean Bedetti (cello), Albert Holy (harp). Standing, left to right: Max Kunze (double bass), Julius Theodorowicz (assistant concertmaster), and Fernand Thillois (2nd violin).
Photograph by Carl J. Horner (Horner Photo)
Boston Symphony Orchestra first violin section, ca. 1955
Pictured in front row is concertmaster Richard Burgin and assistant concertmaster Joseph Krips.
Photograph by John Brook
Trailblazers
Newspaper article announcing the appointment of new members to the BSO, including Ortiz Walton, first Black player, and Winifred Winograd, first woman string player, 1957
Christian Science Monitor, October 3, 1957
Winifred Winograd loads clothing into a tour trunk
Winograd was a member of the cello section from 1957 to 1964, and the first woman to join the BSO string section.
Photograph by Lenscraft Photos, Inc.
Formal portrait of Oritz Walton with double bass
Walton was a member of the bass section from 1957 to 1962, and the first Black player to join the BSO.
Photograph by United Press International
The BSO with William Steinberg in September 1969: Ikuko Mizuno's first season with the BSO
Ikuko Mizuno has played in the BSO violin section since 1969. She was the first woman to join the violin section and the first Asian player in the orchestra.
Photograph by Photography Incorporated
Contemporary Era
Beyond the BSO: Extracurricular Activities
George Humphrey, BSO viola player from 1934-1977 and skilled luthier, works on one of his instruments
Photographer unknown
The Chess Game, ca. 1952
Before a concert, violinist Emil Kornsand and violist Reuben Green study the chess board while being serenaded by principal violist Georges Fourel and violinist Manuel Zung, while bass player Henri Girard looks on.
Photograph by John Brook
Military Drums/Bass Drum part for Jacobus Langendoen's 1776 March (arr. for band by Georges Moleux)
In addition to playing in the BSO cello section from 1920-1962, Langendoen also arranged and composed several pieces. His march entitled 1776 was based off Billings' tune Chester, a favorite of the American revolutionary soldiers. Another BSO string player, bassist Georges Moulex, arranged the march for band.
Members of the Zimbler Sinfonietta, an ensemble founded by BSO cellist Joseph Zimbler and comprised of BSO members, ca. late 1950s
Top row, left to right: Vladimir Resnikoff (violin), Harry Ellis Dickson (violin), Norbert Lauga (violin), Harry Dubbs (violin), Joseph de Pasquale (viola). Bottom row, left to right: Albert Bernard (viola), George Zazofsky (violin), Joseph Zimbler (cello).
Photograph by Gordon N. Converse
Album cover for Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, featuring the Zimbler Sinfonietta
Released in 1955 by Boston Records, B-400