Gilbert Ross
Gilbert Ross, professor emeritus of music, died of Parkinson’s Disease here Oct. 15. He was 90.
He joined the faculty in 1942 as a visiting professor of violin. The following year he was named chair of the School of Music Department of Stringed Instruments. In 1949 he founded the Stanley Quartet, serving for many years as the first violinist with the group, which became one of the world’s most acclaimed university chamber ensembles.
Ross made his concert debut in Berlin in 1922. He appeared in recital and as a soloist with orchestras in New York, London, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Minneapolis, among many other cities. Before joining the U-M, he taught at Cornell University and Smith College.
Ross was born Oct. 3, 1903, in Lincoln, Neb., and began studying music at age 7. Among his teachers were Leon Sametini at the Chicago Musical College, where he was awarded the Diamond Medal for Distinguished Performance.
Ross is survived by his wife, Gertrude; his son, Gilbert Ross Jr. of Columbia, Mo.; his daughter Suzanne R. Hodges of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
