Passing of Gregory Fainshtein

September 1st 2024
Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor Accordion USA News

AWW (Accordions World Wide) sadly reports the recent passing of talented Gregory Fainshtein, beloved husband and duet partner of Elena Fainshtein. His wife, Elena, shares, “Dear friends, thank you for your support, prayers and sharing memories…Gregory’s music will continue to sounds in me, my students… I know he continue watching me from above. My love, my partner for life, my dear Gregory is gone forever…no words…only tears.. very hard…..Thank you for everything, for music, for inspiration, for hard work, for your support for our kids and grandkids, for your endless belief in me….Love you. Miss you. Rest in peace”

Elena and Gregory Fainshtein

Daniel, their son, shares, ”On behalf of our entire family, we’d like to thank everyone for sharing your condolences, thoughts, prayers, & memories of my Father! These last 10 days have been a complete blur & at times it doesn’t feel real. We sincerely appreciate everyone who could take precious time out of their day to attend his funeral to give him a proper send-off and to say your final goodbyes. He was a great man, a very kind & gentle person, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, & friend! Please continue remembering all those good times you’ve shared with him & especially when he was playing his beloved Bayan so his memory can live eternally. He truly held a special place in his heart for each & everyone of you. God bless & much love to you all!”

Anat, their daughter, shares, ”It is with a heavy heart that I write this post. After a difficult struggle with a longtime disease, our beloved father passed away peacefully in his sleep right before midnight last night. We want to remember him joyfully, loving his family, making music by playing his bayan and surrounded by family and friends. Papa, you were the best! Rest in Peace. We love you very much!”

Elena said, “ I began playing in an accordion duo with my classmate, Gregory Fainshtein at 17. He became my husband and music partner six years later. Since our school days, Gregory and I have performed concerts all over the world, including Belarus, Russia, Georgia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Germany, Israel, and the United States. Gregory and I have been members of the National Accordion Association for 15 years and have performed nationally at various conventions. In 2013 and 2015, we performed at the Accordionists and Teacher Guild International Festival. We traveled to Las Vegas and shared our passion for musical performance at the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention in 2014. 

Family of Gregory and Elena Fainshtein

My husband, Gregory, and I have been married for over 30 years and have been playing together since the age of 15. Our music, like our lives, has journeyed with us from the Soviet Union to Israel to Dallas, Texas – our home since 2003. We are both classically trained musicians and graduated from the Belorussian State Academy of Music. Our repertoire is diverse as we play everything from classic, folk, jazz, and polka. 

Throughout our life together, Gregory and I have performed at a variety of concerts and venues all over the world which include Belarus, Russia, Georgia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Germany, Israel, and the United States. We have also participated in various conventions & festivals – The National Accordion Association Convention, Las Vegas International Accordion Convention, & Accordionist Teacher Guild. Additionally, we are very actively engaged in introducing this unique instrument to younger generations in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex through my private music school – Musical Expressions.

Some of our most memorable accomplishments include a TV appearance when we lived in Israel, an article published about us by the Dallas Morning News, our participation at a TED Talk event in Dallas and the establishment of our profile on Gig Salad that allows our clients to easily book us for various events and share reviews of their experiences. During our music careers, we have released two albums entitled “Musical Adventure” and “Together”.

The accordion community and musical world will certainly miss and always remember Gregory Fainshtein.

For further information: elena.fainshtein@gmail.com