06/05/2026
Maxim Korn. May 13, 1940 to June 3, 2026. Pakachoag is forever richer in music, memories and life, thanks to our colleague Maxim, violin faculty, who retired from Pakachoag about 10 years ago.
From Sarah, Director Emerita:
Maxim came to us from Russia, via Israel. He was a terrific musician, and experienced teacher at the conservatory level. He brought his experience and expertise to us later in life. He presented and organized numerous faculty recitals voluntarily. No fanfare. Just in support of the Pakachaog mission and our students.
Some of my favorite memories were the student outreach concerts that included his "Unison of Violins" - up to about 15 students who played Maxim's own arrangements of beautiful classical melodies - all in unison, one or two parts. We were soooo lucky we found you, Maxim - or maybe you found us.
One parent noted years back (I remember because it was so spot-on): "Some of the families perceive Maxim as a grizzly bear." (Yes, he came from a different culture where feedback was often presented bluntly - but never with ill-intent.) "But actually, he really is a teddy bear." He really was.
I had the pleasure of playing with Maxim in concert; of hearing him play Shostakovich with a pianist colleague (that one left me crying after everyone had gone home, I was so powerfully moved by the music); of laughing at his Russian jokes; sharing the success of his finest Pakachoag student who is now a professional violinist himself in Tennessee; and getting to know his family.
He would joke, "In Russia we say: 'Musicians never retire. We just die.' " Sadly, Maxim did retire when he could no longer easily play and teach but his mind remained sharp. His last years were rich with children and grandchildren and his devoted family, including Isabella (pianist), son Michael (violinist) and daughter Inna (Clynical Psychologist).
Thank you so much Maxim for your music, your humor, your commitment to Pakachoag, your kindness, your love for the school and students.
