Maestro. Father. Friend. To connoisseurs, interpreters, and creators of classical music, Maestro Peter Sandor Erős represented a genius natural talent and a link to the Masters of Old Europe. To his family, he was a loving eccentric man, exceedingly intelligent but always leading with his heart. To his friends, and there are many, he was someone on whom one could count to be frank, direct, and sincere. His humanity expressed itself through his deep and ever-present sense of humor, which permeated everything, even to the end. Loving.
Born to parents Egon and Agnes (Rozgonyi) in Budapest-1932, he lost his father in WWII when only 12 years old, surviving to escape Stalinist Hungary in 1956 along with his future wife, Győrgyi Weiser. The immigrant couple carved out a life in Holland, where Maestro Erős became the world famous Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra’s youngest Associate Conductor at the age of 28. They had two boys together, Otto and Andreas, born 1960 and 1963 respectively. He toured the world, conducting the world’s major orchestras to great acclaim. Maestro Erős conducted every orchestra and composition as if his hair was on fire, and sometimes it seemed to be. Passionate.
Every interaction with a friend was an opportunity to connect, perhaps to mentor, often to entertain. He saw right through you, broke down every barrier, and if he sensed sincerity, would do anything for you. His talent was a vehicle that he used to touch thousands of lives, and people could not help but be charmed and changed by him. An Old World man, he was comfortable in many cultures and languages, settling in Seattle after spending significant time with major orchestras and Universities in Amsterdam, San Diego, Perth, Baltimore, Stuttgart, Aalborg, and Malmö. Receiving his music education at the vaunted Liszt Academy in Budapest, Maestro Erős studied under Kodaly and other greats, and was mentored by legends such as George Szell and Antal Dorati. He was well-read in history, knowledgeable, and wise. A man with a war-torn childhood, he worked hard, made the most of his talents, achieved much, lived a long life, and left a legacy through family, students, friends, and musical recordings. Our beloved Opa left us on the morning of Friday September 12th., 2014, just four days after suffering a severe stroke, and just 10 days before his 82nd birthday. Although he could not respond during the four days, and he did not suffer, we are sure that he knew that he was not alone in his last days. There is one less star in the sky, and the world will feel less complete without him. Courageous.
Peter Erős leaves behind two children; Otto who resides in Auckland, New Zealand, and Andreas who resides in San Diego with his wife, Christy. Opa will always be fondly remembered by his three grandchildren from Christy and Andreas; Diego, Alejandro, and Liliana. He is survived by his sister Juci Danos and her son Trevor Danos in Sydney, Australia, as well as former wives Győrgyi Erős in San Diego and Jasmin Leuthold in Switzerland, both of whom remained life-long friends with him. Opa, we love you, we miss you, you will always be in our hearts and memories of you will continue to bring a smile to our faces. We hope that Pearly Gate Peter can handle playing second fiddle to you, and please don’t give the harp players up there too hard a time. Unforgettable.
The family would like to acknowledge several of the many special friends who enriched Peter’s life, especially in his later years in Seattle. Donna Moss and Katalin Orosz were both caretakers who evolved into great friends for Peter, and made his retirement years bearable. Thank you for the many hours of sitting on the sofa with our Opa, and listening to his stories and commentary. So many dedicated students who became Peter’s family in Seattle and beyond! Jonathan Pasternack and Jeremy Briggs Roberts were Peter’s surrogate sons in Seattle, and you did your Maestro proud. Thank you for your incredible dedication to him and for making his life more complete.
Whether you knew him for 60+ years as some of his friends have, or you met him briefly, the family invites you to join us in celebrating Peter’s life, and to share your stories of how he touched your life. www.bartonfuneral.com/category/obituaries/
A scholarship fund is being established in Peter Erős’ name, benefiting aspiring conducting students. If you would like to donate to this fund and help carry on Peter’s musical legacy, or want information on services being held, please contact Andy Erős. (U.S.A. 619-279-4009 orLittleHeroesKarate@gmail.com)
MY DEAR FATHER, AS YOU GO
MAY YOU FEEL AND ALWAYS KNOW
YOU ARE LOVED AND YOU’LL BE MISSED
BY EVERY HAND AND CHEEK YOU KISSED
MY DEAR FATHER, AS YOU SLEEP
ASHES SCATTERED IN THE DEEP
EACH FAMILIAR SOUL YOU’LL MEET
WILL SAY YOU MADE THEM MORE COMPLETE
MY DEAR FATHER, AS YOU REST
HAVING ALWAYS DONE YOUR BEST
EVERY TALENT, EVERY FLAW
LEFT US EVEN MORE IN AWE
MY DEAR FATHER, ALWAYS THERE
ALWAYS HUMAN, ALWAYS CARED
DON’T BE SCARED, JUST HOLD MY HAND
NO WORRIES IN THE PROMISED LAND
MY DEAR FATHER, BEST OF ALL
WITH ALL YOUR STORIES, TRUE OR TALL
THE AFTER-LIFE HAS MANY FOLKS
WHO HAVEN’T EVER HEARD YOUR JOKES!
MY DEAR FATHER, AS YOU LEAVE
MAY YOU HAVE SOME SMALL REPRIEVE
FROM THE LIFE THAT TESTED YOU
AND AS YOU PASS, WE SAY ADIEU
THOUGH GOD RETIRED YOUR BATON
IT IS YOU THAT WE NOW LAUD
YOUR AUDIENCE WAS NEVER GONE
IT IS YOU WE NOW APPLAUD
With all our love, respect, and gratitude.
Your sons Andy and Otto 9/15/14