A Classical Collection: Property From The Estate Of Former Chicago Symphony Orchestra Violinist Fred Spector To Be Auctioned At Hindman
CHICAGO – This month, Hindman will present property from the Estate of Fred and Estelle Spector, Chicago, Illinois. A longtime Chicago Symphony Orchestra violinist and lifelong Chicagoan, Spector’s passion for music was reflected in his collection that included violins and string instrument-related decorative arts.
Spector began violin lessons at the age of five with his uncle J.B. Mazur, concertmaster of the Czar’s Imperial Orchestra in Saint Petersburg. He attended Hyde Park High School and Chicago Musical College before eventually joining the U.S. Army. He flew as a bombardier and navigator in Japan during World War II, during which time he also became the first American violinist to concertize there after the war ended. Upon returning to Chicago, he became concertmaster of the Civic Orchestra and studied conducting with Rudolph Ganz. Later on, he was also a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra.
Spector was a member of the CSO for 47 years (1956 – 2003) but was actually first hired by the orchestra in 1948. Unfortunately, just after accepting the position, the CSO fired its music director and all new offers were revoked. Eight years later, he was invited to audition again and ended up returning to Chicago to join the symphony and start a family with his wife, Estelle.
A chamber music enthusiast, Spector also performed with numerous ensembles in the Chicago area and was a member of the Chicago Strings, the Chicago Symphony Quartet, and the Chicago Arts Quartet for many years. He was also assistant conductor of the Highland Park Music Theatre.
Ben Fisher, Vice President & Senior Specialist, American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts commented: “We are delighted to be offering items from someone who has such a rich connection with Chicago’s cultural history. The instruments and objects are made even more special knowing how much care was taken with building this collection over the course of a lifetime.”
Highlights of the estate include a 19th century silver-mounted violin cane (Lot 136; estimate: $2,000 - 4,000) and a 1930s aluminum and tiger maple violin and bow in the manner of John Burdick (Lot 155; estimate: $2,000 - 4,000). The collection also includes a number of porcelain figures, such as a group of four Meissen violin players (Lot 131; estimate: $1,000 - 1,500).
A Silver-Mounted Violin Cane | Estimate: $2,000 - 4,000
Four Meissen Porcelain Violin Players | Estimate: Estimate: $1,000 - 1,500
Bidding for the auction is available now through June 14, as a portion of Hindman’s The Collected Home auction. The full auction can be viewed online here, and the Spector estate is lots 129-160.
Featured image: Lot 155, An Aluminum and Tiger Maple Violin and Bow, Estimate: $2,000- 4,000