David W. Kuehn

David W. Kuehn, prominent musician and virtuoso trumpet player, died unexpectedly and peacefully, from complications of illnesses on April 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 75.
David is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Lisa A. Tedesco of Atlanta, GA; his four children Dean Kuehn, and his wife, Loredana, of Pinckney, MI, Scott Kuehn and his wife Yoko of Dublin, OH, Amelia Kuehn of San Francisco, CA, and Anna Kuehn Kaminski and her husband David, of Media, PA; his sister Joan Ammerman of Northglenn, CO; brothers Dan Kuehn of Aurora, CO and Don Kuehn of Brampton, Ontario; grandchildren Sasha and Colin Kuehn, Sorina and Mirela Kuehn, and Brady and Carson Kaminski.
David was born on October 9, 1941 in Denver, Colorado to Myrtle Elizabeth Berry and William Frederick Kuehn. He studied at Juilliard with William Vacchiano, and at University of Colorado, Boulder, and Arizona State University.

David was a stunning trumpeter and dazzling recitalist, known for his lovely, long legato line. During his long career, he played principal trumpet in some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in Florence, Italy, Bilbao Symphony Orchestra in Bilbao, Spain, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in Buffalo, NY (1969-1996). He also played principal trumpet in the Phoenix Symphony, Ann Arbor Symphony, and Michigan Opera Theatre. In 1998, he performed under the direction of Maestro Zubin Mehta with the Maggio Musicale in the historic production of Puccini's Turandot, at the Forbidden City in Beijing. Throughout his career he performed in chamber music ensembles as well, including Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, Michigan Chamber Brass, Battle Creek Brass Band, and the Galliard Brass Quintet. David was also cornet soloist with the U.S. Army Field Band. For 22 years, he was a member of the performance teaching faculty at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York.

David appeared on numerous recordings with the Buffalo Philharmonic and recorded several solo and ensemble CDs. Of his 2012 CD, the International Trumpet Guild said, "One of the highlights occurred when Kuehn and his brother, Dan Kuehn, also an accomplished trumpet player, performed "From The Mountain Top" by Persis Parshall Vehar... The overall effect was tremendous." David's musicianship for his 1999 CD recording, Musical Landscapes for Trumpet was also lauded on classical.net: Kuehn shows "himself as a complete musician by communicating the meaning behind the notes. There's not a phrase on this CD that doesn't have its own personality." Earlier critics commented on the way in which his playing "weds artistry to virtuosity."

David enjoyed many interests, especially world politics. During his retirement years he touched many lives delivering Meals on Wheels. His dedication and commitment to musical performance was only eclipsed by his love for his children, grandchildren and life partner, Lisa. David's music was magnificent, and his heart and spirit were immense, and will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Plans for a celebration of David's life will be announced at a later date. Condolences can be sent to 480 Emory Circle NE, Atlanta GA 30307 or to ltedesco@emory.edu. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to any of the following organizations that mattered deeply to David:

*Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
499 Franklin Street Buffalo, NY 14202
https://bpo.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0nF0000008Vo7KIAS
*Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings
24901 Northwestern Highway, Suite 312
Southfield MI 48075
www.detroitchamberwinds.org
*Meals on Wheels, Senior Connections
c/o Donations
5238 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30341


Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033