April 9, 2015 – When he heard the violin, as a boy growing up in Italy, his attention would turn from the silent film he was watching to the musicians accompanying the film. At age nine, now living in Chicago, he took violin lessons.

Adrian Da Prato died on March 17 at the age of 94.

He was born in Barga, Italy, in 1920. In Chicago, he attended Lane Technical High School and the American Conservatory of Music. He served in World War II, performing for troops throughout the islands of Hawaii. Before joining CSO, he was a member of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Civic Orchestra of Chicago. He toured the United States and Europe as a member of Chicago Strings.

When he retired from CSO in 1996, he had worked for seven music directors.

He once compared an orchestra to an old bottle of wine. “It has to have a good vintage to start out with, then it reaches a point where its fullness is realized. When an orchestra works together it grows. That is the beautiful experience. It is magic. It is a great orchestra.”

Da Prato was a longtime resident of Marina City, living on the 45th floor of the east tower.

(Photos) Adrian Da Prato, at the beginning and culmination of his career with Chicago Symphony Orchestra.