US violinist Louis Lanza Jr., who played with the Philadelphia Orchestra for 47 years, died on 5 October 2025, aged 89.
Lanza was born on 2 April 1936 in South Philadelphia. He first learnt to play the violin with his uncle, Michael Pascuccio, and later from his teacher and future colleague in the Philadelphia Orchestra, Frank Constanzo.
He received scholarships to attend the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music and the Juilliard School, where he studied with Edouard Dethier, and took classes with Hans Letz, a former member of the Kneisel Quartet, Robert Koff, violinist in the first Juilliard Quartet, as well as Dorothy DeLay.
Following his graduation from Juilliard in 1958, Lanza enlisted and served three years in the US Army Band-Orchestra in Washington DC, where he recorded many radio broadcasts. After his honorable discharge, he became a first violinist with the National Symphony from 1961 to 1964.
Lanza auditioned for Eugene Ormandy and became a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1964, where his brother Joseph and four first cousins also played. It is believed to be the only time six first cousins were simultaneously members of a major symphony orchestra.
He continued playing with the Philadelphia Orchestra for 47 years from 1964 to his retirement in 2011, under the batons of Ormandy, Riccardo Muti and Wolfgang Sawallisch. During his tenure, he performed on virtually recording made and released by the orchestra, as well as televised broadcasts.
He and his brother Joseph appeared in the 2004 documentary Music From the Inside Out, which featured members of the Philadelphia Orchestra sharing their personal journeys in music. The siblings often played together with orchestra colleagues at Phillies games, holiday concerts and music benefits until Joseph died in 2006.
Additionally, he performed for 28 years with the Philly Pops under the direction of Peter Nero. Lanza also served as principal second violinist of the Reading Symphony, the Trenton Symphony and the Amerita Chamber Orchestra.
He made frequent solo appearances with his late wife, Joan Trombetta Lanza, a singer and pianist. With their children Lou (a violinist and singer) and Cara (a pianist and singer), they formed The Lanza Family Presents, performing at schools, churches, and private gatherings.
Lanza is survived by his children, five grandchildren and his long-time companion, Rose Ann Jugla.