The body of Leonel Armenta, first violinist for the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra, was found yesterday in a Mérida residence.
Though the circumstances of Armenta’s death have not been fully disclosed, police say they do not suspect foul play.
Armenta was born in Xalapa, Veracruz and was active as a musician and teacher in both his hometown and Madrid before moving to Mérida to join the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra. He would have turned 49 on Dec. 9.
On social media, several members of the public, friends, and colleagues as well as the OSY itself have been posting messages of condolence to Armenta’s family.
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“We express our most profound condolences for Leonel Armenta’s family and join in their pain during this difficult time,” orchestra leadership said through a press statement.
A small private ceremony took place Tuesday night with Armenta’s closest friends and family.
Armenta’s death comes as another terrible blow to the orchestra after a fire consumed the Peón Contreras theater just a couple of weeks ago.
Starting at the third-floor audio booth, the Péon Contreras fire rose to the top of the landmark building, blackening a 1907 fresco that graced the interior of the auditorium’s dome.
