(DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of Dmitry Paperno, retired professor in the School of Music. He passed away on Oct. 12 at the age of 91, and is survived by his wife, two daughters, and four grandchildren. He taught at DePaul from 1977 until his retirement in 2001.
Paperno received his musical training
Dmitry Paperno, retired professor in the School of Music
under Alexander Goldenweiser at the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory, receiving a master's degree with honors in 1951 and an Aspirant Diploma in 1955. A prize winner at the Fifth International Chopin Competition in Warsaw in 1955 and the First International Enescu Competition in Bucharest in 1958, he proceeded to perform extensively throughout Russia and Eastern Europe as well as in England, Cuba and Belgium as soloist with the U.S.S.R. State Orchestra at EXPO in Brussels in 1958.
Paperno made numerous recordings for Melodiya, the record label of the Soviet Union. In 1967 he began teaching at the Gnessin Moscow State Institute. After emigrating to the United States in 1976, he continued to concertize widely throughout the U.S. and Western Europe. He joined DePaul's faculty in 1977 and was on the jury panel for many international piano competitions. He gave master classes at the Moscow Conservatory as well as in Belgium, Finland, Portugal and the United States, including classes at Oberlin and the Manhattan School of Music.
He authored several essays on music and pianism and the books “Notes of a Moscow Pianist" and “Postscriptum." His recordings on Cedille Records include “Dmitry Paperno: Uncommon Encores, Paperno Plays Chopin," and “Paperno Live."
Services are private and plans will be announced for a future memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the DePaul University School of Music. Notes of condolence may be sent to 1831 Mission Hills Rd., Apt. 508, Northbrook, IL 60062 For information or to leave condolences, please contact Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, (847) 255-3520 or www.shalom2.com.