Otakar Sroubek Obituary

A Fiddling Fisherman casts no more- Otakar Sroubek, longtime violinist with the Chicago Symphony, passed away last Tuesday from natural causes. He is survived by his Wife; Consuelo, 2 sons; Otakar & Karel (Ann) and 5 grandchildren; Amanda, Justin, Lauren, Nicole & Brendan. His life was like that of a great musical masterpiece, filled with dramatic crescendos, pizzicatos, dissonant chords and playful melodies. Starting out playing the violin at age 6, life was hard in his native Prague, Czechoslovakia, then under German Communist Rule. In between music lessons, he found solace and a way to help feed his family through fishing. As a young man, he landed a position as Concert Master at the prestigious Czech Philharmonic. During those turbulent years, Nazi officials forced the orchestra to entertain them privately. Also Otakar played for numerous radio shows, toured various countries and won awards including the revered Bela Bartok Competition in Hungary Hungry for a better life, Otto set into motion a dramatic escape from his homeland to Germany. An incredibly treacherous feat in itself, he escaped to neighboring Germany where he spent 9 months in a refugee camp until his visa arrived to allow travel to South America. There the Fiddler met a beautiful and talented, young Opera singer-Consuelo Lopez. They made beautiful music together, fell in love and got married. While there, the young Maestro had several near-death experiences, narrowly escaping with his life like Indiana Jones. Not without reason, Otto and his bride set off for America in search of fulfilling their dream. Mr. Sroubek quickly netted a position, as 1st violinist, with the New Orleans Symphony. After 2 seasons he moved onto bigger waters and got onboard with the Cleveland Symphony under the direction of Rafael Kubelik. Otto's musical masterpiece of life escalated to a grand march when he came to Chicago and triumphantly "caught the big one" with a coveted spot as a 1st Violinist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. There he "reeled in" night after night of concerts, applause, fanfare, and touring for a whopping 48 years with the CSO. Mr. Sroubek fondly recalled his best years being led by the legendary Sir George Solti. During his time with the CSO, Otto was instrumental in forming the distinguished, Contemporary Arts Quartet. Along with Bill Schoen, Fred Spector and Don Moline, the quartet marveled audiences locally and around the world. Incredibly, Maestro Sroubek found time along the way to play music, teach, fish and also raise a family of four another important quartet in his life. Otakar continued to work full time with the CSO until he was 82. He spent summers with family traveling to his favorite fishing spots: Rainy Lake, MN., Lake Michigan and Vero Beach, FL. After his retirement, his life and music entered into a more melancholy movement. His passion for living and zest for life was strong and he was a gentleman every step of the way. In his final days, he reverently praised his family and friends for all the years of love and support he received from them. He cherished every moment we had together. Also a heartfelt thanks to music lovers around the world, with whom he shared his elegantly skilled craft with he bids you all a fond farewell. Fin Visitation / Wake will be Tuesday, May 13th, 2-8PM @ Woodlawn Cemetery & Funeral Home, 7750 W. Cermak Road in Forest Park, IL 60130. Burial Service will be Wednesday, May 14th, 11AM (same location), officiating: Reverend Adam A Dietrich, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hodgkins, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to start a scholarship fund in Otto's name through the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.