Joseph Roche fell in love with the violin as a kid

He joined the Minnesota Orchestra in 1959 and also played with the Macalester Trio and the Boston Pops.

By Ben Cohen, Star Tribune

Last update: July 28, 2007 - 7:04 PM

Joseph Roche, a retired violinist with the Minnesota Orchestra and the Macalester Trio, brought smiles to the faces of his listeners and colleagues with his personality and playing.

Roche, retired to Sarasota, Fla., in 1994, but annually returned to enjoy the orchestra's Sommerfest. He died unexpectedly in Minneapolis on Tuesday.

Roche, who played in the first violin section of the Minnesota Orchestra, was 72.

Last week, Roger Frisch, associate concertmaster for the orchestra, sat with Roche on Peavey Plaza talking over the night's performance.

"He was probably one of the best ambassadors for the Minnesota Orchestra we could ask for," said Frisch. "He thought of it as his orchestra. He was always back stage, hugging everyone, telling stories, and laughing -- even after a poor performance.

Roche wasn't afraid to offer his musical opinion, said Frisch, but "he always added something positive about their work, though."He was always so much fun to be around," said Frisch, who added that no matter where he traveled, fellow musicians would ask about Roche.

Roche, who was born in Madras, India, received his master's degree at the New England Conservatory in 1959, the year he joined the Minnesota Orchestra.

"I fell in love with the violin as a kid in India," Roche told the Star Tribune in 1994. "Back then, I wouldn't have dreamed that I'd spend all these years playing in such a wonderful orchestra and trio. The support of the community here has been wonderful."

In 1987, the Macalester Trio -- formed in 1968 -- was proclaimed the oldest continuously performing chamber ensemble in the area.

The trio toured throughout Minnesota, and to cities such as Chicago, Denver and Washington. Roche played with the trio from 1968 to 1994.

During his career, Roche also played regularly with the Boston Pops and the Casals Festival Orchestra in Puerto Rico.

He was recently recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of the New England Conservatory, Boston.

His wife, Sarita is an opera singer, and his daughter, Gita is a cellist with the Baltimore Symphony.

In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by his son, Joseph, and brother, Patrick, of Edina.

A private service will be held in Sarasota, Fla.

Ben Cohen • bcohen@startribune.com

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