This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Tribute for 'Missing Violinist' Planned, Location of Death Explained
Robert Korda
Earlier this month, Robert Korda's family used the internet to round up help to find a missing loved one. Van Nuys resident and Los Angeles Philharmonic veteran Robert Korda never showed up to work after suffering a heart attack the night before. But when his body was brought to the coroner's office, sans identification, fingerprint databases were used and he was erroneously identified as Robert Norda, not Korda. That prompted a manhunt over next few days until the misspelling was figured out. In an article about Korda's memorial tribute in August, the Daily News explains that Korda died while doing some do gooding:
The tribute, tentatively planned for August 25 at Canoga Park's Madrid Theatre will include a serenade by strolling violinists, orchestral music and Dixieland music. Those wanting to donate in Korda's memory can by sending money to the non profit he helped: The Music Guild, 6022 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 203, Los Angeles 90036-3616.
Korda had suffered a heart attack on July 8, when he was at a home in Glendale, negotiating the purchase of a violin for The Music Guild, which provides musical instruments to inner-city schools, said his ex-wife, Venida. He was rushed by ambulance to Glendale Adventist Hospital, but he died an hour later. He wasn't carrying any identification, Venida Korda said, so coroner's officials used his fingerprints to try and determine his identity. They got a hit on a Department of Justice database used to screen applicants for various licenses, but it incorrectly listed the name as "Norda."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
