Frederick Zlotkin

The American cellist Frederick Zlotkin, was born on March 10, 1947, in Los Angeles. He was the son of violinist and conductor Felix Slatkin and cellist Eleanor Aller.

Frederick began his cello studies with his grandfather, Gregory Aller, at the age of seven and continued lessons with his mother and Ray Kramer. He was heard frequently in concert with his brother, Leonard Slatkin, who played piano and conducted for him. In 1969 he attended the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with Bernard Greenhouse. After completing his bachelor studies, he went to the Juilliard School of Music and worked under Channing Robbins and Leonard Rose. Returning to Los Angeles, he continued his studies with Gregor Piatigorsky before returning to New York.

He served as principal cellist of the New York City Ballet Orchestra for more than forty-five years. Recipient of numerous awards, he was a prolific chamber musician, studio player, and recording artist. His discs of the Six Suites for Solo Cello were hailed as "one of the most gratifying Bach performances on record."

He performed as soloist with orchestras in New York, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Geneva, Switzerland, London, and Washington, D.C., among others. For fifteen years he played at Ground Zero during the annual reading of the names of the deceased from 9/11.

He held teaching positions at the Manhattan School of Music, Queens College, the Hoff-Barthelson Music School, and Brooklyn College of Music. In addition, he taught numerous students privately.

He passed away from heart failure on September 1, 2022, at age seventy-five. Frederick is survived by his two children, Felix and Madeleine.