Konstantin “Kostia” Jakimow

Konstantin, “Kostia,” Jakimow was born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, and spent his childhood in Fribourg, Switzerland, and Heidelberg, Germany. On his mother’s side he was the grandson of renowned Russian painter and sculptor Igor von Jakimow. Konstantin came to America as a preteen in 1980 when his mother Tatiana married Purdue mathematics professor Louis de Brange de Bourcia. The family lived in one of the neighborhoods surrounding Happy Hollow Park and spent summers in Europe. Classical music had always been part of his family’s life, and he started playing the cello when attending West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School in grade 7. For a while, he also played percussion in the high school marching band. Konstantin later earned a bachelor’s in music performance from Boston University, where he studied cello with Leslie Parnas. He continued his studies with Janos Starker at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he earned a master’s degree in music performance.

Konstantin was a well-known and well-loved local musician. For many years (until 2008), he played with the Lafayette Symphony, becoming assistant principal cello. He also regularly played with local organizations such as the Bach Chorale, and performed at private functions. In 1997 Konstantin and Greg Kostraba co-founded the Tippecanoe Chamber Music Society, a nonprofit that organizes chamber music events in Tippecanoe County to this day. In addition to his local performances, Konstantin frequently freelanced in regional symphony orchestras. From 2004 to 2018, he also played with the Lafayette Klezmorim, which brought him much joy. He maintained an active studio of private cello students in West Lafayette, teaching all levels from children to adults. His students loved him for his calm, encouraging teaching style, and that his criticism was always supportive and constructive. He worked with positive reinforcement, and their reward for diligent practice and performing well was to be allowed to play duets with their beloved teacher.

Despite living in the United States for most of his life, Konstantin remained European at heart, most pronounced in dress and mannerism. He was fluent in French and German and would speak German exclusively with his mother and closest friends. He loved European coffeehouse culture. When he was not playing or teaching cello, Konstantin could most often be found at West Lafayette’s Café Vienna, shooting the breeze, discussing any topic under the sun. His warmth, kindness, and humor has touched everyone who met him. He had a large circle of friends from all walks of life, and from different countries around the world.

Konstantin was a passionate musician, a committed son, a beloved teacher, and a loyal friend. He is survived by his mother Tatiana Jakimow de Branges, his stepfather Louis de Branges de Bourcia, as well as his devoted students, colleagues, and friends, who will miss him dearly.

There will be a memorial concert presented by friends and colleagues on January 26^th, 2024, at 4:30 pm at the West Lafayette Public Library. Contributions may be made in his name to the Tippecanoe Chamber Music Society.