Keith Abbott Conant, principal violinist for Chicago Lyric Opera and Chicago Philharmonic, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011 in the Chicago home he loved and shared with his partner, Dan Goss. Born on January 18, 1962 in Rockville Centre, New York, Keith was 49. In addition to being a gifted musician, he was also a loving partner, brother, uncle, son, teacher and a generous and true friend to many. Keith studied viola at the Julliard School of Music, graduating in 1986. His teachers at Juilliard included Paul Doktor and William Lincer. He studied chamber music with Felix Galimir, Dorothy DeLay and members of the Juilliard String Quartet. Keith also studied viola with Frank Brieff, Dorothy Straub and Karen Tuttle. Keith began his orchestral career with two years in the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and then joined the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra in 1987. In addition to his principal position at the Lyric, he performed as principal with the Chicago Philharmonic and regularly substituted with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Grant Park Symphony. Keith was also an active chamber musician, performing with the Rembrandt Chamber Players, the Chicago Chamber Musicians, and chamber music festivals across the country including the Ravinia Festival. Keith has two chamber music recordings available: George Flynn's "American Rest" on the Southport label and "Lux Aeterna" by William Ferris on the Cedille label. Keith appeared as soloist with many orchestras including the Julliard Philharmonia in Alice Tuley Hall, Symphony II, Bach Week in Evanston Festival, North Shore Choral Society, Highland Park Strings, and Roosevelt University Orchestra, among others. Keith commissioned and invited numerous composers to write for him and he gave many authoritative premieres of new music for the viola. Keith was a gifted viola teacher, loved and admired by his many students. In addition to private lessons, Keith was on the faculty at Roosevelt and Valparaiso universities and coached professional musicians and aspiring professionals for auditions. Keith was the must-have musician for all Conant family funerals and weddings. His interests outside of music included entertaining friends and overseeing house renovations. He enjoyed taking his dog Lucky for walks. His kindness and generosity are known to many. He was always ready with a big smile, a warm hug, and an infectious laugh. Keith is survived by his partner, Dan Goss, his sister Katharine Conant O'Shea and husband Donald of Fort Bragg, Ca., his brother James Conant of Brookfield, Ct., his brother Scott Conant and wife Joanne of Newton, Ct., his nieces and nephews, Kelly, Michael, Barton, Stephanie, Daniel, Carolyn and Jenna; and pets Lucky and Phoenix. Keith is predeceased by his parents, Barton C. and June K. Conant of Brookfield, Ct. and by his stepmother Patricia Barry Conant of West Hartford, Ct. Keith's passing is a devastating loss to his family, friends and Chicago's music community. A reception in Keith's memory is planned for Thursday, Sept. 22 from 2-8 P.M. at Olson Burke/Sullivan Funeral & Cremation Center, 6467-77 N. Northwest Hwy., Chicago, Il. 60631. Donations in Keith's memory may be made to PAWS (www.pawschicago.org) or any organization dedicated to helping animals. Arrangements by Olson Burke/Sullivan Funeral & Cremation Center 773-774-3333.