In Memoriam – Penélope Knuth

It is with great sadness that we learned of the tragic passing of violist Penélope Knuth, principal violist of the Chamber Orchestra of Chile, following a bus accident in Valparaíso.

Born in New York, Penélope studied at Indiana University and The Juilliard School before building an international career that took her through Venezuela and eventually to Chile. In 1994, she became principal violist of the Chamber Orchestra of Chile, a position she held for more than 30 years.

Alongside her life as a performer, Penélope was a dedicated teacher and served as Associate Professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Through her playing and teaching, she inspired and supported generations of young musicians.

The International Viola Society mourns the loss of a deeply respected colleague and member of our international viola community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, students, and all members of the Chamber Orchestra of Chile affected by this terrible accident.

Her contribution to the viola and to musical life in Latin America will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.

International Viola Society