Tonkonogui, David

Music of Remembrance mourns the passing of our esteemed colleague and beloved friend, cellist David Tonkonogui. Along with his wife Mara, David was a part of Music of Remembrance beginning with our very first concerts. Through his passionate musicianship, his wisdom and generosity he was an inspiration to us all. David's humanity and artistry have enriched and enlarged our lives. We miss him, and will remember him forever.

David Tonkonogui, cello, has been a member of the Seattle Symphony since 1990. Born in Moscow, he received his Master of Music degree, and the Doctor of Music Arts from the Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where he studied cello with Natalia Shakhovskaya, and chamber music with Dmitry Shebalin of the Borodin Quartet. A first-place winner in the 1984 National Chamber music competition, Mr. Tonkonogui was co-principal cello with the Moscow Soloists Chamber Orchestra. He has performed in numerous festivals throughout Europe, Japan and the United States. A founding member of the Seattle-based Bridge Ensemble, he has recorded on the RCA, Koch International and Melodia labels.

He has appeared regularly with Music of Remembrance since its inaugural year, and is the cellist in Paul Schoenfield’s Camp Songs, recorded on Art from Ashes, Volume I.