Hoffmann, Jacques

1868-

First violinist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra; was born in Graetz, Austria. After studying violin and piano with Kubicek, Zerownicki and Bendiner in Troppau, he entered the Vienna Conservatory in 1882, studying composition and piano and violin with Professor Gruen. On his graduation, at the age of seventeen, he won first prize in a public competition. For two years after leaving the Conservatory he was connected with the Vienna Opera House and Philharmonic Orchestra, under Hans Richter and Fuchs, and during this time appeared as soloist in the Austrian Provinces, in Hungary and South Germany. Since 1890 he has been among the first violinists of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and has played under Nikisch, E. Paur, W. Gericke and Dr. Carl Muck. He has appeared as solo violinist with orchestras in Boston and elsewhere, and in 1902 founded the Hoffmann Quartet, of which he plays first violin. This organization is a string quartet composed of Hoffmann, first violin; Adolf Bak, second violin; Karl Rissland, viola, and Carl Earth, violoncello. It is well known for its annual concerts in Boston and other eastern cities. He is a successful violin teacher, and has composed a string quartet; a sonata; some shorter pieces for orchestra; violin and piano-pieces; and some songs.