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Callier-Scollard Violin Shop
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Callier-Scollard Violins |
12 November 1895 - 19 November 1965
Nicholas "Kolia" Levienne was born in 1895 in Baky, now the capital of Azerbaijan.
He was a child prodigy, who began his career as a cellist at age 12. His first solo concert was in 1907 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
After Kolia graduated from the Petrograd Imperial Conservatory in 1912, they sent him to continue his studies at the Conservatory in Leipzig, Germany. He studied there with professor Julius Klengel. He toured extensively throughout Europe as a cellist and part of the Orchestra.
Kolia performed with: Arthur Nikisch, Winderstein,A. Glazunov, Newmark, Hessin, Orloff, Cherepnin, Robert Laugs, Lucrezia Bori, Carmen Sylvia, Teresa Careno, Julia Culp, Marie Novello, Anna Pavlova.
Kolia's American debut was in concert with famous bass Fedor Shaliapin, in 1922. He toured the US with Shaliapin in 1922-1923. In 1923, he played at the Maine Music Festival.
In 1930-33 Kolia was working as a faculty at the Cornish School of the Arts in Seattle, WA. During his stay in Seattle, Kolia often performed as part of the Cornish Trio, Kolia Levienne on the cello, Peter Meremblum, violin, and Berthe Poncy on the piano.
Early sound films became a new field for Kolia's talent. He was one of the creators of a new musical genre – film score.
In the early 1950s Kolia cooperated with Frank Sinatra, and these recordings are still available.
Nicholas "Kolia" Levienne met ballerina Lila Zali (Yelizaveta Borisovna Zalipskaya) in Los Angeles and married her in 1945.
Kolia and Lila joined with Michel Panaieff in a company called "Ballet Musicale" which later became Los Angeles City Ballet.
Kolia also did film studio work, and that led to Lila's involvement in films.
Lila and Kolia vacationed in Laguna Beach, CA and decided to move to Laguna permanently in 1959. Kolia started the Laguna Beach Chamber Music Society, and Lila opened her dance studio.
Thanks, Craig
You have posted an image of "Murray Korda" who was a good friend of my late father, however that image is actually of Morry King, as well as the other image that appears directly above.
There is also a signature on a post card from the Hotel Pontchartrain in Detroit where he worked in the late '60's, after being a headliner at the Sands Copa Lounge in Las Vegas.
Jack Benny was also a good friend of my father and at one time called our home in Las Vegas to ask if he could use Morry's Stradivarius. I remember picking up the phone, and at that time a long distance call was very important.
In closing, thank you for your remembrance of this fabulous place.
Barry P. King, Esq.
I knew Murry Korda many years ago and when he retired he opened a bed and breakfast in Virginia. For some reason I always thought that picture was of Murry. I'm sorry that I put his name on your Dad's photo, I'll get that corrected. Written in pencil on the back of that photo is the date: April 5/ '81. What do you think the date is of your Dad's other photo?
I knew Murry's brother Bobby Korda very well and would see Bobby fairly often in my shop. Unfortunately Murry and Bobby have both passed away. By chance would you happen to have a photo of Murry Korda?
Thanks for taking the time to post your comment,
Craig
Thanks for uploading close-up photos for everyone to see.