Violinist Efrem Zimbalist Sr. Dies : Actor’s Father, 95, Was Accomplished Composer, Educator

RENO, Nev. —  Efrem Zimbalist Sr., one of the century’s great violinists, died at his home here Thursday night at the age of 95.

His doctor said Zimbalist apparently died of natural causes. Funeral arrangements were pending.

Zimbalist was the father of actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr. and grandfather of television star Stephanie Zimbalist.

The former director of the Curtis Institute of Music, Zimbalist had been hospitalized frequently in recent years but was able to perform occasionally at local concerts.

He was an accomplished composer and music historian and a close friend of world-famous musicians, including Sergei Rachmaninoff and Jascha Heifetz.

Zimbalist joined the Curtis faculty as head of its violin department in 1928. He became institute director in 1941 and held that post until the late 1960s, when he retired and moved to Reno.

Despite periodic stays in hospitals, Zimbalist remained active and retained his sense of humor.

The Curtis Institute staged a homecoming honoring Zimbalist on his 89th birthday. There were honors, presentations and the naming of a studio as the “Zimbalist Studio.” At the end of a speech, a voice from the audience said, “Now, let us pray.”

It was Zimbalist’s voice.

Another time, a friend turned the tables on that sense of humor.

Zimbalist, also an accomplished pianist, was scheduled to accompany Heifetz at the keyboard. As the program was about to start, a large figure loomed over Zimbalist and the piano. It was Rachmaninoff.

“What are you doing here?” Zimbalist asked.

“I’m your page turner,” Rachmaninoff said.