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Mischa Semanitzky Obituary

Conductor and violinist Mischa (Michael) John Semanitzky, 89, died December 3 in Phoenix after a long illness. Born in Pittsburgh, PA , the son of Archpriest Very Right Reverend John Semanitzky and Katherine Jusciscin Semanitzky , he attended several grade schools as his family moved to different parishes.

He began violin training at age 5, and his conducting career at age 10, conducting his father's church choir. His Carnegie Hall debut as a violinist earned raves from The New York Times as "a musician of impeccable taste , with a dramatic flair." He served as concertmaster of the Nashville Symphony, assistant conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony under Steinberg, music director and conductor of Pittsburgh Ballet and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens of Montreal and conductor of the Dallas Ballet . He conducted orchestras in Korea, Mexico, Russia and Canada as well as cities throughout the United States and Europe. A highlight for him personally, because of his Russian heritage, was conducting several times in Russia. He founded and was Music Director and Conductor of Music in The Mountains, a classical music festival that included an orchestra, chamber music series and conservatory in Durango, Colorado, from which he retired in 2007 after 24 years. He earned Bachelor and Master's degrees from Yale University and his Doctorate from Columbia University. He enjoyed his professorships at Butler University and Kansas State University, and his work with Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of International Management. He served on many arts boards, and developed, with Mayor Annette Straus, the Sammons Center for the Arts in Dallas. Mischa is predeceased by his parents, three sisters, Mary, Nancy and Olga, and his daughter, Darya. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jenny St. John, her children Ben and Amanda, four grandsons, Chase, Cody, Evan and Andrew, and nieces and nephew Barbara, Kathy, Paul, Mary and Ollie. Services were scheduled at All Saints Episcopal Church, Phoenix, at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 9. If desired, memorials may be made to Music in the Mountains, P.O. Box 3751, Durango, CO 81301, or Arizona Opera. 1636 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 85004.

Published by The Durango Herald on Dec. 6, 2017.
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To family you are not alone during this time of sorrow
pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way. May you find Strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you shared. Please accept my sincere condolences
2. Thessalonians 3:16
Wanda S.

November 30, 2018

I am so sorry for the sadness you are feeling now. Please be assured that our Heavenly Father understands your pain. He is a God of compassion and through prayer, you will receive the peace that he gives the broken-hearted ones. (Luke 1:78,79)

November 30, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing that God will
give you strength and comfort for he cares for you. 1Pet, 5:6,7

November 29, 2018

I feel lucky to have known you. May you rest in peace.

Susan Combe

December 10, 2017

To live a full life and find enjoyment for your hard work is truly a reward (Ecclesiastes 3:12,13). To family and friends, may you find comfort in your memories.

L P

December 9, 2017

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All Saints Episcopal Church

6300 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ

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