In Memoriam: Abraham Stokman

 The Music Institute of Chicago mourns the loss of Abraham Stokman, a brilliant performer, cherished friend, and long-time piano faculty member. Abe, known for his improvisational mastery, skillful playing, and love of new music, was 87 when he died peacefully at home with his wife, fellow MIC faculty member Arlene Stokman on July 12. With three pianos in their home, Abe and Arlene lived a life filled with music and happiness. Side by side, they performed, cooked, gardened, and together enjoyed their home and neighborhood in Rogers Park for 50 years.  This archive offers a glimpse into Abe Stokman's life as a musician, artist, and friend.

Celebrated Pianist

Abe was born in 1936 in Tel Aviv, Israel. He began his piano studies at age six and by age 12, his talent was recognized with a scholarship to the prestigious Julliard School in New York City where he later obtained his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degree with the renowned teacher, Edward Steuermann. For five years, he served as a vocal coach at the Juilliard's opera department. Following his studies at Julliard, he embarked on a successful career which included solo recitals and chamber music performances at the finest concert hall across the country. He was also a featured soloist with numerous orchestras, most notably with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

In 1969, he moved to Chicago and became the artist-in-residence and assistant professor at the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University for six years, and subsequently served as chairman of the piano department at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. 

Champion of New Music

The Chicago Reader’s late classical music critic Ted Shen called Stokman, “one the city’s best-kept musical secrets” commenting on his commitment to zealously championing new music, particularly those of local composers.  Abe helped to start the Mostly Music series, was a member of the Contemporary Chamber Players with Ralph Shapey, and played with the new music consortium CUBE.

Composers Ralph Shapey, Robert Lombardo, John Austin, Ramon Zupko, Ernst Krenek, and William Karlins, wrote works especially for him. He premiered Ramon Zupko’s piano concerto Windsongs, later performing the concerto at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and with the American Composers Orchestra in New York’s Lincoln Center.

 Abe also made a number of recordings featuring the music of Ramon Zupko, William Karlins, Howard Sandroff, and Shulamit Ran. Other recordings include A Kurt Weill Cabaret with singer Martha Schlamme for MGM, and Songs from the Magic Door with songwriter and actor Charles Gerber.

Impact on the Music Institute of Chicago

In 1991, Abe joined the Music Institute of Chicago faculty where he taught piano and improvisation.  His passion for contemporary music was celebrated at MIC and across Chicago and suburbs, as he championed new works and made that work accessible to audiences through the creation of the Music for a While series, the Four Score Festival, and the Generation Next Young Composer's Competition.

At his legendary concerts, audiences applauded wildly for his trademark piano improvisation. He had the unique gift of being able to improvise on any musical theme in the style of any known composer.

More recently, Abe coached chamber music and taught piano improvisation at MIC’s Academy.

In 2020, the Music Institute presents its Richard D. Colburn Award for Teaching Excellence, an annual award to faculty members who exemplify the high standard of excellence, to Abraham and Arlene Stokman, both members of MIC's piano faculty.

Remembering Abe Stokman Through the Eyes of the MIC Community

Mark George, President and CEO, Music Institute of Chicago:
"My first encounter with Abe, shortly after I arrived at MIC, was to hear him perform at Nichols Concert Hall. Phrase after phrase, there was a magnificent depth of expression, and beautiful tone. Abe then launched into a segment of improvisation. I was awestruck with his mastery of this skill. Listening was a joyous and overwhelming experience, one that moved me to say in my reception toast, ‘I declare this day as Abe Stokman Day in Cook County!’ Every word was sincere. What an amazing talent and wonderful human being".

Sue Polutnik, Vice President and COO, Music Institute of Chicago:
"Abe and I first worked together when we created the inaugural Generation Next Contest for young composers back in 2006. Through the years, as our friendship deepened, I came to know the man as an amazing teacher, mentor, and artist (he did not start painting until he was 65); a devoted husband to Arlene, a loving father and grandfather (who proudly shared his grandsons’ own wonderful art); an advocate for contemporary music, a brilliant improvisor, and a true, treasured friend.  Conversations with Abe were filled with wonder as he often shared stories of his early memories as a young boy at Juilliard. He passionately insisted that everyone should know how to Cha Cha and Tango; he complained fervently that classical music students need to know Sinatra, the Beatles, AND Beethoven, and that old movies were the only movies worth talking about… and on and on. 

Abe also had a deep affection for people. One day, he walked into my Evanston office carrying a stunning magenta Dahlia that Arlene had grown in their garden. The giant flower head measured 12” x 12”, and he had carefully driven the flower from his home in a vase filled with water.  He handed me the flower, hugged me, and said, ‘In life, there should be beauty, and it should be shared’".

A Legacy of Inspiration and Excellence

Abe Stokman's legacy extends far beyond his musical accomplishments. He fostered a love for music in countless students and enriched the lives of all who knew him. He had hoped to perform his final concert in Nichols Concert Hall in May—aptly titled, “A reflection of life performed by pianist Abraham Stokman.” We will honor Abe’s legacy at MIC with a memorial concert this fall.

We invite you to explore a collection of photos, paintings, and performance videos that showcase the depth and joy Abe brought to music throughout his life: