By Esther Lanting
ATG member Elijah Clements, a 10-year student of ATG member Elena Fainshtein, left the accordion world in a tragic car accident on December 24th. Elijah was 21 years old and passed away four days before his 22nd birthday.
Elijah was an active ATG Festival participant for the past several years.
At the 2023 ATG Festival, Elijah competed in and won the Senior Virtuoso Entertainment Solo category. He also befriended the ATG guest group Orchestre Polyphonia from Reunion Island and joined their orchestra in their festival concert – a friendship that lasted until his death. Pierre Varo, conductor and Musical Director of Orchestre Polyphonia, wrote: “Elijah was a beloved son, brother, and friend, who always was bringing joy, laughter, and kindness to those around him. His unexpected passing has left us heartbroken.”
At the 2024 ATG Festival, Elijah entered the International World Cup Competition and placed 4th with his button chromatic B-system accordion. Elijah was 12 years old when he began taking lessons on piano accordion and transitioned to button accordion in 2019.
While Elena Fainshtein was his teacher, he considered Gregory Fainshtein his mentor. Elijah helped Elena care for Gregory for the past several years and spent many hours in their house.
Elijah was loved by many people and will be missed in the accordion world and at the ATG Festival, where he brought a smile and much enthusiasm.
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