Tribute to Phillip Ruder

We’ve received several requests from RCO patrons to reprint the tributes to Phillip Ruder that appeared in our April concert program. We’re proud to do that, while at the same time sharing with you some of the photographs that our photographer Stuart Murtland took at the performances and at the post-Sunday concert reception.

Thank you, Phillip

I think the thing I like best about Phillip, and will miss most on his retirement, is his easy-going temperament. As a man of enormous talents and reputation, he would have been entitled to a primadonna ego of gargantuan proportions. Instead, he's always been the most generous of colleagues, patient, slow to take offense, and rapier quick with a good-humored joke to defuse even the tensest situation.
-- James Winn (RCO member; Professor, University of Nevada, Reno)

Phillip Ruder is not only an exceptionally talented musician, he is also one of the wisest people I know. His contribution to discussions is always thoughtful and his participation as a member of the Reno Chamber Orchestra Board of Directors brings an important perspective to our proceedings. He can be counted on to comment quietly and to the point, clarifying the conversation and simplifying decisions. This organization is far better because of his contributions to it.
-- Jill Winter (President, RCO Board of Directors)

Phillip Ruder is an enormous asset to our community. His influence has brought about a tremendous increase in the quality of musical performance here. He has been a valuable teacher to hundreds of students, and is a valued friend to all of us who have come to know him.
-- Vahe Khochayan (RCO Conductor Emeritus)

Phillip Ruder’s contributions to the Northern Nevada arts community and to the Department of Music and Dance at the University of Nevada cannot be overstated. In my opinion, he is largely responsible for the dramatic upturn in quality we’ve seen over the past decade or so in regard to our area’s classical music scene. On campus, Phillip has been just as powerful an influence. His students unanimously revere him as the ultimate mentor: caring, insightful, and extremely knowledgeable. He has also been the best colleague one could hope for: considerate, helpful, and so often a voice of reason amidst the fray. I know I speak for the entire music faculty when I say that we will certainly miss his unfailingly pleasant demeanor and his great sense of humor.
-- Larry Engstrom (Director, School of the Arts, University of Nevada, Reno)


It would not be an overstatement to say that Phillip Ruder is one of the most important American violinists of the last 40 years. As a musician he has very few peers, but as a person he has even fewer. He and I both moved to Reno in 1994, and since then he has become a friend, mentor, colleague, and role model. Phillip Ruder is one of the most important people in my life.
-- Scott Faulkner (RCO Executive Director and musician)

The most precious gift one can share with another is the very best of themselves. Thank you Phillip for all you've given to me and all of us. You have helped me become a better human being, musician, and violinist. With much love and gratitude,
-- Carol Laube (RCO Librarian and musician)


I owe my musical existence to Phillip Ruder. My career would be nothing without him.
-- Bruno Cavellino (concert violinist)

Since Phillip Ruder arrived in Reno, I have been lucky enough to know him in many different capacities. As an accompanist, I worked with both him and his students many times, and he was always gracious, inspirational, and supportive. As principal oboist of the RCO, I greatly appreciated his musical suggestions – even the time he took me aside to tell me that my tuning note was a bit flat (it was – but never again!) As department chair, I have relied on Phillip’s wisdom and compassion many, many times. He is always willing to help in any situation, and that has been invaluable to me. As a friend, I love Phillip’s sense of humor and the wicked little gleam in his eye, when he’s about to play a trick on someone. I will miss him immensely in the orchestras and the university, and can only take comfort that he will always be my friend.
-- Andrea Lenz (Chair, Dept. of Music and Dance, University of Nevada, Reno; RCO musician)