[link|http://archives.nytimes.com/2001/09/23/obituaries/23STER.html?pagewanted=print|Violinist Isaac Stern Dies at 81; Led Efforts to Save Carnegie Hall]

Isaac Stern, a violinist who in his prime was considered one of the great instrumentalists of the 20th century, and who also became an important power broker in the classical music world after he led a successful campaign to save Carnegie Hall from destruction, died at a Manhattan hospital on Saturday. He was 81 and lived in Manhattan and Gaylordsville, Conn.

As the article states, Stern grew up in San Francisco. I met him, some years ago. His personal physician was a friend's grandfather, so when Stern was in town for a performance and planned a visit after, I was invited to dinner, as a young teen. I was also privileged to see him perform a recital in 1998, in San Francisco at Davies Hall.

A great sound has been silenced.