The Chicago Symphony Orchestra family extends its condolences on the passing of Andrew Patner, critic at large for WFMT-FM and contributing critic to the Chicago Sun-Times.

A regular and welcome presence at CSO concerts here at home and worldwide, Andrew had a unique way of communicating his deep knowledge and passion for classical music to audiences of all ages and walks of life, creating new fans for this art form. He was a champion for the arts in his beloved Chicago, and his voice — both on and off the air — will be sorely missed.

Riccardo Muti, CSO music director, said, “I am very sorry to learn of the passing of Andrew Patner this morning. I had enormous respect for him as a man of great culture and deep humanity. We had a sincere friendship, and his death is a tragic loss to the cultural life of Chicago. My profound condolences to all his family and friends.”

 See the links listed below for additional tributes.

Meanwhile, Steve Robinson, general manager of WFMT-FM, released this statement today (Feb. 3):

It is with a profound sense of sadness, sorrow and shock that we must announce that our dear friend and colleague, Andrew Patner, passed away this morning [Feb. 3] after a very brief battle with a bacterial infection that overwhelmed his body. The news came to us from Tom Bachtell, Andrew’s longtime partner, who said, “Our Andrew is no more.”

Andrew’s voice, keen intelligence and great spirit will be sorely missed at this radio station, which was part of his professional life for many years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom and to Andrew’s family. When details about services are announced, we will provide them to you. Rest in peace, dear friend. Your many contributions to WFMT and to this community will never be forgotten.

PHOTO: Andrew Patner in 1989; photo by Joanne Trestrail

ADDITIONAL TRIBUTES

On Sounds & Stories:

My friend Andrew Patner, by Marc Geelhoed

Remembering Andrew Patner and ‘The Wagner Effect,’ by Laura Emerick

Andrew Patner: Lasting impressions, by Bryant Manning

On other local and national media outlets:

Robert Feder, RobertFeder.com: Andrew Patner (1959-2015)

Chicago Sun-Times: Music Critic Andrew Patner dead at age 55

Chicago Sun-Times, Neil Steinberg: Andrew Patner — A Chicago cultural icon vanishes

Chicago Sun-Times, Laura Washington: Andrew Patner was ‘into everything’

Graham Meyer, Chicagomag.com: Remembering Chicago Music Critic Andrew Patner

WTTW-Channel 11: Remembering Andrew Patner

WFMT-FM: Farewell to Andrew Patner

John von Rhein, Chicago Tribune: Andrew Patner, longtime Chicago writer, dies

Chicago on the Aisle: Andrew Patner dies; noted Chicago arts critic was 55

Classical Voice America: Andrew Patner, noted arts critic, dies suddenly

Musical America: Andrew Patner Has Died (subscription required)

Slipped Disc: Riccardo Muti Mourns a Critic

Larry A. Johnson, Chicago Classical Review: Andrew Patner, 1959-2015

Alex Ross, The Rest Is Noise: For Andrew Patner

The Jewish Daily Forward: Remembering Chicago Critic and Arts Maven Andrew Patner

WTTW, ArtsBeat: Rest in Peace, Andrew Patner

Chicagoist.com: Cultural critic Andrew Patner dies

Chicago Reader, Michael Miner: Critic and ‘gregarious loner’ Andrew Patner passes away at 55

Windy City Times: Friends and colleagues remember Andrew Patner

Chicagomag.com, Whet Moser: Andrew Patner on race and politics before Harold Washington

The Chicago Maroon, Chicago icon with plenty of UChicago connections passes away suddenly