Wayne Burak

Wayne Burak passed away on March 5, 2019. Owner and President of Wayne Burak and Associates, Wayne combined an internationally recognized performance background with extensive experience in the violin and cello trade.  His interest in the construction, adjustment, and selection of fine stringed instruments had paralleled an active career as soloist, principal cellist and chamber collaborator.   From 1982-1995, he held the position of Principal cellist of the Fort Worth Chamber and Symphony Orchestra.  During his tenure, his professional duties included over 1,000 performances with these ensembles.  Wayne attended the Eastman School of Music, receiving a B.M. in 1978 and finishing graduate work with a M.M.  Performer’s Certificate, and a teaching assistant appointment in 1980.  During these years, Wayne maintained a violin shop serving the needs of the Eastman community.  He has become nationally regarded for his expertise in cellos, and was invited to address the nation’s top violinmakers at the 1981 Violin Society of America National Convention presenting a lecture demonstration on Old Italian cellos.  His work with fine instruments uncovered many construction and acoustical adjustment secrets as well as closely guarded varnish formulae.  Wayne taught at the Eastman School of Music, University of North Texas, Texas Christian University, and Colorado College, and toured Texas schools and universities, giving orchestral clinics, lecture demonstrations and master classes.  An advocate for performing live music, Wayne also has a keen interest in all types of music involving string instruments including jazz, and contemporary media. He performed professionally for the past 35 years as solo/principal cellist with many artists ranging from Chuck Mangione to Pavarotti. He had been a member of  Local 72-147 since 1982, and had served on the local’s Executive Board for many years.