Mr. Alexander J. Izotov

Alexander “Sasha” Izotov, prolific classical musician, teacher, and composer, passed away on November 7, 2021, at the age of 80 in North Brunswick, NJ. During the past several months of his battle with cancer, Sasha remained strong, charismatic, and ever optimistic to the very last days of his life.
Alexander was born in Sverdlovsk, U.S.S.R. (now Ekaterinburg, Russia) in 1941 while his mother was in evacuation at the beginning of World War Two. He graduated from the Gnesin Special Music School and Institute in Moscow and joined the U.S.S.R. Cinematography Orchestra as Principal Violist and subsequently the Russia State Symphony Orchestra, with which he performed for 20 years and toured extensively all over the world. As a composer, he collaborated with leading Russian pop and classical singers, such as Iosif Kobzon, Valentina Tolkunova, Lev Leshenko, and many others leaving a substantial discography on many recording labels. Since his immigration to the United States, Alexander served on the string faculty of the Westminster Conservatory of Music – his teaching inspired generations of young musicians. Alexander’s love of life, kindness, ability to see the good in the world, and his endless sense of humor will forever fill the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and students.
He is survived by his wife Lara, son Eugene, daughter-in-law Marina, and grandchildren Ralph and Samuel.
Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 11 am atthe Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel, 239 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ. Interment at the family's convenience in California.