Robert Hoyer Semon

SEMON Robert H. Semon was born in Koenigsberg, East Prussia, Germany April 25, 1914. He grew up in Bremen, West Germany where he graduated from Gymnasium (High School) and attended a Music Teachers Academy. From 1934 to 1938 he studied violin in Berlin with outstanding teachers and during the summer months with world famous violinist and pedagogue, Carl Flesch. Because of a Jewish heritage, he was forced to flee Nazi Germany and therefore left his home country to live in the U.S. In 1938, after 2 difficult years trying to stay afloat, he worked all kinds of odd jobs, from bus boy to solo viola player. He came to El Paso in November 1940 as a teacher for the National Institute of Music and Arts. He became active in chamber music and founded the El Paso Chamber Music Society, which he gave many concerts, and the one on his 90th birthday. After two years with the institute, he joined the El Paso Conservatory as instructor of strings. In 1959, he founded the El Paso School of Music, which he operated together with his wife, well-known Soprano - Adela Rodriguez Semon until 2004. From 1942 to 1947 he played in the El Paso Symphony Orchestra as first violinist, assistant concertmaster and finally concertmaster. He developed many fine students, among them were Abraham Chavez, conductor of many orchestras; Michael Goldman, assistant concertmaster of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and well know violinist Larry Shapiro. Two of his sons are also accomplished musicians, Walter a violinist and Edward a cellist. He retired at the age of 91 and enjoyed his "golden years". Robert is survived by his wife Adela Semon and his four sons: Robert (Michon), Walter (Laura), Bernard and Edward, as well as five grandchildren, Paul, Ann, Philip, Karisa and Lili and one great-grandson, Tyler. Visitation will be held Friday, November 12, 2010 from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Funeraria Del Angel Martin Central, 3839 Montana Ave. with Service at 7:00 P.M. Graveside service will be held Saturday at 11:30 A.M. at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The El Paso Opera Co. and The Music Forum.