Adolphe Frezin

Belgian cellist and conductor (28 December 1906, Lessines - Santa Barbara, California, 5 April 1978). He was Principal cello of the National Orchestra of Belgium. After emigrating to the US in the summer of 1949, Frezin was a member of the Paganini Quartet in California and New York City until late 1954. While touring with the Paganini Quartet, Frezin was also able to perform as lead cello with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Beginning in 1953, Frezin also sought to develop a career as a touring cello soloist with US regional orchestras. In 1955 in New York City, Frezin was also Principal cello of the Symphony of the Air. Prior to the Cleveland Orchestra, he was Principal cello of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in about 1956-1959. George Szell recruited him first as "Co-Principal" cello of the Cleveland Orchestra in the 1959-1960 season, advancing him to Principal cello in the 1960-1961 season. Following the Cleveland Orchestra, beginning in 1963, Frezin taught at the University of Texas, Austin. He died in Santa Barbara, California on 5 April 1978 at the age of 71.