Eugene Becker, a member of Juilliard's viola and chamber music faculty since 1987 and a Pre-College faculty member since 1975, died on June 25. He was 76.

Eugene Becker (Photo by Bachrach)

A native of New York City, Becker  attended the Manhattan School of Music for preparatory studies. He earned his B.A. from Syracuse University before going on to earn a master's degree in viola and musicology and do post-graduate work in education. He also studied with Lewis Krasner and William Lincer. In his senior year at Syracuse, Mr. Becker joined the Krasner String Quartet.

During his military service, he was principal and solo violist with the Seventh Army Symphony. Mr. Becker joined the New York Philharmonic in 1957 and was appointed assistant principal violist in 1981, remaining in that position until his retirement from the orchestra in 1989. In addition to his long career with the Philharmonic, he enjoyed an impressive reputation as a soloist, chamber musician, and teacher. From 1964-77 he played viola in the Gramercy String Quartet (which he founded with Philharmonic colleagues). As part of Lincoln Center's Mozart Bicentennial in 1991, he performed as soloist in Alice Tully Hall and as conductor in the Juilliard Theater. Mr. Becker was also a frequent guest with the Aeolian Chamber Players, and coordinated the chamber music recital series Concertium since 1978.

Read a tribute to Eugene Becker.

He served on the faculties of Syracuse University, Lehman College, SUNY-Purchase, the National Orchestral Association, Eastman School of Music, and Mannes College, in addition to Juilliard.  He conducted the Pre-College Chamber Orchestra at Juilliard from 1980-2000.

"A distinguished musician and dedicated teacher, Gene approached his teaching at Juilliard with passion and professional expertise," said Juilliard President Joseph W. Polisi. "He will be greatly missed by his students and colleagues. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Rae and his entire family."

In addition to his wife, Mr. Becker is survived by two daughters, Eve and Margot, and a grandson, Leo Liebeskind.