BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

POTSDAM -- SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus John Lindsey, a violinist and educator who has played professionally for nearly 50 years, has announced his retirement from the Orchestra of Northern New York.

Lindsey, who was a founding member in 1988 along with flutist Kenneth Andrews and violist Sally Busch, told North Country This Week his retirement would be effective April 1, 2025.

"I've had a great run, enjoyed my time very much with ONNY (Orchestra of Northern New York) and still enjoy playing but I think it's time to move onto other opportunities," he said.

Lindsey said he began playing at the age of nine, leading to a life-long obsession with music.

Now 68-years on, he said he is playing as well as, if not better than he ever has.

"Truly, I think this is the best I've ever played. I still love doing it," he said.

Serving as the Concertmaster of ONNY since its inception, Lindsey has played a large role in organizing the orchestra, selecting pieces to play and conducting background logistics to keep things organized.

"It's taken a tremendous amount of dedication in this role but it's something that I'm very proud of. I feel very lucky to have been in this role for so long and to have played with so many amazing musicians over the years," he said.

Lindsey has been first violinist of the Lexington String Quartet in Kentucky, the Concord Piano Trio, also of Kentucky, the Quartetto da Camera, NUMA (New and Unusual Music Artists in New York), the Aurora String Quintet in New York and Michigan, the Ruggieri Chamber Soloists in Vermont and New Hampshire, the Potsdam Piano Quartet in New York, and the JSK String Trio of Vermont, New York and Massachusetts.

Lindsey has also played in New York City's Carnegie Recital Hall twice, the Bruno Walter Auditorium in Lincoln Center five times and the Museum of the City of New York.

He also has had an extensive career overseas, playing and teaching throughout Europe, Asia and South America on numerous occasions.

While Lindsey has made a profound impact during his playing career, he also served as an educator at the Crane School of Music beginning in 1981 before eventually retiring in 2016.

But for Lindsey, his professional teaching career expands even beyond his extensive time at Crane.

He also held full-time teaching positions in the Dallas, Texas Public Schools, Baylor University as Chairman of Strings for three years and the University of Kentucky as String Chairman for six years.  

In the spring of 2009, Lindsey attained the highest rank for a faculty member in the State University of New York System, the SUNY Distinguished Service Professorship.

At the time, he was one of only two Crane faculty to have ever received a Distinguished Professor award.

The SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus said one of his proudest achievements has been the successes of his students as well.

"It's amazing to see where they all have gone. I was shown a family tree of sorts that starts with me and branches out to show all of my students over the years and where they have gone after graduation," he said.

To honor the outgoing Concertmaster, ONNY have announced they are dedicating the fall concert slated for October 19 in Lindsey's name.

"John has had a significant and profound impact on this arts organization. His dedication, high artistic standards, and quiet leadership of the Orchestra has enabled it to not only survive, but also thrive in the North Country. His support of fellow musicians and his in-kind contribution of bowings for all the violin and viola parts for no additional compensation is evidence of his commitment to ONNY. Indeed, he will be sorely missed," ONNY officials wrote.

A reception in his honor will follow the concert.