Cristian Ganicenco, principal trombonist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, has passed away. He was 58.
Last Friday, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra put out the following statement:
It is with immeasurable sadness we share the passing of our Principal Trombone, Cristian Ganicenco, after a private battle with cancer.Cristian was a longtime and deeply valued member of our Orchestra. Since joining in 1999, he contributed to our mission through his remarkable musicianship and through the way he showed up as a colleague, mentor and friend. He brought clarity, discipline and warmth to every setting — on stage and off — and his presence shaped our sound and our culture in lasting ways.His journey from Romania to our stage reflected the same quiet determination and deep commitment that many of us came to know so well. After studying in Iași, Bucharest, and later at Carnegie Mellon and Rutgers University, he joined the CSO at a formative time in his career and made his solo debut with the CSO in 2003, performing Paul Creston’s “Fantasy for Trombone and Orchestra.” Over the years, he recorded widely, composed original works, co-founded ensembles such as FG Brass and served as a steady support to many who passed through our halls. He was especially proud of his critically acclaimed solo album, “Beyond Oblivion,” and of recent digital projects that featured layered, multi-track performances.Cristian was known for his elegant playing — refined, expressive and impeccably prepared. He brought a lyrical quality to his instrument that was always captivating, but never attention-seeking. He simply played and did so beautifully and at the highest level.Those who knew him personally also experienced his unique combination of humility, candor and joy. He had a distinctive laugh, a sharp sense of humor and a deep care for those around him. He valued connection — whether through conversation, music or food — and found ways to build community wherever he went. In recent years, as he faced serious illness, he continued to focus on his music, returning to the stage for performances even while in treatment.Cristian’s influence lives on in the sound of the Orchestra, in the countless lives he touched and in the relationships he built here. Through music, we will continue to honor his memory, for it was in music that he found, and gave, so much of himself.May we all remain inspired by his life well lived.
Anamnesis for Trombone, Euphonium and Loop Station
In collaboration with trumpeter Elisabeth Fessler, a member of the Munich-based Harmonic Brass Quintet, Ganicenco explored new music technology, including multi tracking and use of a Loop Station. Ganicenco’s ambient Anamnesis for Trombone, Euphonium and Loop Station was premiered in 2022. It “represents a recalling of time, a reminiscence of past memories, which served as inspiration for this piece. Beautiful, simple, and pure melodies, hectic and intricate canons intertwined with almost child like accompaniments, Anamnesis took Cristian on a journey down memory lane.”
Here is Cristian Ganicenco’s performance: