Remembering Joel

We are deeply saddened to share the news that our Artistic Advisor and beloved friend, Joel Krosnick, died on April 15, 2025.

A brilliant cellist and visionary artist, Joel was a member of the famed Juilliard String Quartet for 44 years. For many years, he was also a pillar of musical strength and humanity at both Kneisel Hall and the Juilliard School. At Kneisel Hall, his musical vision was central to the enormous success of our Festival Concerts and Young Artist Programs. He was a revered mentor to generations of young musicians. At Kneisel Hall’s Faculty Concerts, he gave magical and unforgettable performances with his colleagues. His sound and music-making were like no one else’s and remain indelible in our memories.

As a faculty member at both Juilliard and Kneisel Hall, he was a legendary and inspirational figure to his colleagues and students alike. When our Young Artists speak of his influence, they often say, “Mr. Krosnick changed my life,” because they knew they were graced with a unique and irreplaceable teacher—one who saw, nurtured, and celebrated each of their individual talents and musical journeys.

Joel had the satisfaction of knowing that his gifts had been passed down from generation to generation. We can be certain that his passionate musical ethos will be carried forward in the hearts and souls of all who worked with him. Anyone who has attended one of our Young Artist concerts has seen him sitting in the exact center, at the back of the concert hall—his face suffused with intensity and joy—as he listened to the Young Artists bring their summer’s work to life in performance.

Our hearts go out to his wife and partner in life, Dinah; to his son, Josh; and to his daughter, our dear colleague, Gwen.

Our season at Kneisel Hall this summer will be dedicated to his memory and held in his honor.