The Dirección General de Bellas Artes, the Dominican Republic's national fine arts authority, has mourned the death of violin master Francisco José Hernández, known as "Maestro Frank," who spent decades teaching at the institution's official music schools.
In a statement, Bellas Artes praised Hernández's career, calling him a distinguished master and musician par excellence. The institution highlighted his work as an outstanding violinist, exemplary teacher and mentor to multiple generations within the organization.
Bellas Artes statement
The statement said his technical, human and pedagogical legacy remains indelibly recorded in the artistic heritage of the Dominican Republic.
Bellas Artes, along with its teaching, administrative and artistic staff, extended condolences to Hernández's family, friends, students and the wider national music community, and offered prayers for his eternal rest. The statement closed with the words, "Peace to his remains."
La Vega's Casa de la Cultura responds
The Casa de la Cultura de La Vega also issued a statement expressing solidarity with Hernández's family, friends, students and the broader artistic community following his death. The institution described him as an outstanding violinist, teacher and tireless servant of music.
The statement said his passing leaves a profound void but also a legacy that will live on in every melody, every lesson and every generation of musicians who had the privilege of receiving his knowledge and his passion for the art.
The Casa de la Cultura de La Vega also emphasized Hernández's human side beyond his role as a violin teacher, describing him as a man committed to artistic education and to building a society where music and culture served as paths to transformation and hope.
The institution offered prayers for his eternal rest and bid the teacher farewell with a message of thanks, saying: "Thank you, Maestro Frank, for having dedicated your life to music and for leaving an indelible mark on those of us who had the honor of knowing you and sharing time with you."
