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DI JANNI -- John A. Di Janni, age 94, of Santa Fe, peacefully passed away at home Tuesday, April 20, 2004. John had a long and impressive musical career. In 1936, he became principal violist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York succeeding his father, Albino DiJanni to the position and for nine years both he and his father occupied the first desk. He was appointed personnel manager of the Orchestra by Sir Rudolf Bing in 1969 while still maintaining his post as principal violist. He also devoted a great deal of his time as faculty member of the Congress of Strings at Michigan State University and Skidmore College mentoring outstanding string players competitively selected to participate in this endeavor, sponsored by the American Federal of Musicians. During his summer engagements from 1960 to 1964, he was appointed principal violist of the Santa Fe Opera, under the leadership of John O. Crosby. He also played at that time as principal of the Santa Fe Concert Association under the leadership of John Mullen. Upon John?s retirement in 1975 from the Metropolitan Opera, he and his wife moved to Santa Fe where he became principal violist of the Orchestra of Santa Fe (1976-1979), Santa Fe Symphony (1981-1986), Roswell Symphony (1987-1992), and also played in the New Mexico Symphony and the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. He was also a faculty member of University of New Mexico (1980-1985). He has played as principal violist under such world-famous conductors as Artur Bodansky, Igor Stravinsky, Paul Hindemith, Dimitri Metropoulus, Andre Kostalanitz, Eric Leinsdorf, Julius Rudel, Fritz Reiner, Bruno Walter, Leonard Bernstein, John Crosby, Cesare Sodero, George Salti, Pierre Boulez, and Kurt Masur. As one of his beloved students mentioned at one time, "The Maestro's musical technique is flawless. He is to music as a riverbed is to a stream. But equally remarkable is his high spirited generosity towards people of all ages and abilities." He loved and was loved by all. John was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe, also a member of the Masonic Montezuma Lodge #1, in Santa Fe, Euclid Lodge in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, and Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians. John was preceded in death by his parents, Albino and Regina DiJanni; his two brothers Joseph DiJanni and Ralph Lucia; and his sister Aida La Rosa. John is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Helen Rupp DiJanni; two sons John C. DiJanni and wife Jan, and Robert A. DiJanni and wife Maureen; grandchildren John J. DiJanni, David J. DiJanni, April DiJanni, Jacqueline DiJanni all of Santa Fe, and James B. DiJanni of New Jersey; great-grandchildren Alyssa Durr of Santa Fe and Jason, James, Mark, and Amber DiJanni of New Jersey; sisters Angela Murphy of New York and Albina Giordano of New Jersey; nieces Marilyn Famularo and husband Robert of New Jersey, Eileen Iazzetta of New Jersey, Marlene Ahearn and husband Mark of Florida, Regina La Rosa of Georgia, Regina Tayem and husband Mlad of Florida, and Mignon Wendover of Texas; nephews Albino DiJanni and wife Patricia of Massachusetts, Joseph DiJanni and wife Joanne Massachusetts, Frank Lebano and wife Sheila of New York, James Reilly and wife Joan of New York, and Kenneth, John Francis, and Daniel Murphy all of New York; and many relatives, dearly-loved friends, and students. John was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed. John always joked, ? I?m playing hooky from the devil and the angels don?t want me?. We know he is with the angels. A memorial service is planned for 5:30 p.m., on April 28, 2004, at First Presbyterian Church on Grant Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Santa Fe Youth Symphony, 551 W. Cordova Road, #190, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505. McGee Memorial Chapel Mortuary 1320 Luisa Street Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505 983-9151
        Published on: Sun April 25, 2004