Maurice Hasson 1934-2026

We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Maurice Hasson who was one of the world’s leading violinists and a professor at the Academy from 1986 to 2015.

Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Principal of the Royal Academy of Music, pays tribute:

'Amongst the many fine violin professors at the Academy over the years, there was a triumvirate of great player-pedagogues appointed in the 1980s and who continued teaching well into their 80s. It is very sad to read of the death of Maurice Hasson, the third and last of them after we lost György Pauk in 2025 and Erich Gruenberg in 2020. They were all totally different, but each was a hugely brilliant, distinguished and committed musician and teacher in the round. Maurice’s distinctive quality as a violinist was a sound rooted in his French training with an easy virtuosity that was the equal of anyone – his performance of the first Paganini Concerto with the Cleveland Orchestra and Lorin Maazel is simply dazzling, not to mention a famous recording of glittering lollipops that became a staple part of our listening fifty years ago. I listened to his playing of the slow movement of the Bach ‘Double’ last night, with Henryk Szeryng and the Academy of St Martin in the Field under Sir Neville Marriner. What serene lyricism and expressive generosity!

'Maurice brought all this wonderful, world-class performing experience into his teaching at the Academy, and it was always conducted with an unerring loyalty to his students. He puffed up with pride at any small or large accomplishment along the journey of their learning, matched by an expectation of hard work with the love, enjoyment and sense of privilege of holding a violin for hours on end. Maurice’s personality was infectious (even the sight of his inimitable scowl when he heard a pianist he didn’t take to!), and he made many friends at the Academy over the years. Any little setback – such as a bad fall on the front steps– was always greeted philosophically. He’d bounce back with his inimitable flair, last shown to the full when he retired from playing a decade or so ago in a glorious recital at the Wigmore Hall.

'Maurice had many distinguished students who continue to work at the height of the profession. Many kept close to him until he died. My condolences go to them, and his family especially.'