New Video: Elijah Clements Untimely Passing, December 24, 2024

January 3rd 2025
Harley Jones
Elijah Clements and teacher Elena Fainshtein
Elijah Clements and teacher Elena Fainshtein

On December 24th, just before Christmas and only four days before his 22nd birthday, the accordion world because of a car accident, tragically lost Elijah Clements, a vibrant and loving 21-year-old who had so much life ahead of him.

Pierre Varo, conductor and Musical Director of Orchestre Polyphonia, Reunion Island wrote: “Elijah was a beloved son, brother, and friend, who always was bringing joy, laughter, and kindness to those around him. His unexpected passing has left us heartbroken.”

Elijah Clements, Dallas College recital on November 21, 2024.
1. “Березка” , The Birch Tree By E. Dreizin, arranged by Elijah Clements
2. Asturias composed by Isaac Albéniz.

The July 2024 ATG festival had 4 entrants in their International Competition category, one of whom was Elijah Clements. Video below.

Elena Fainshtein, Teacher of Elijah Clements for some 10 years wrote: “My dear Elijah!!!! I have never imagined that it would be our last performance together on the Recital of my students on December 21, 2024. Thank you for suggesting to play (with me), the piece that I performed for many years with my late husband, Gregory Fainshtein, who passed on August 19, 2024. Now I lost you, my best young accordionist, my bright college student, my friend and Gregory’s friend and care giver…. December 24, 2024… accident…

The final performance of Elijah Clements in a duet with his teacher Elena Fainshtein at her school’s end of year student recital, 21st December 2024. On December 24th, just before Christmas and only four days before his 22nd birthday, the accordion world, because of a car accident, tragically lost Elijah Clements, a vibrant and loving 21-year-old who had so much life ahead of him.

Rob Clements, father of Elijah Clements wrote: “We are having a memorial service celebrating his life on Monday 1/6/25 at 4 PM at his church Living Word Baptist Church 2315 Oak Grove Parkway Little Elm TX 75068. For those unable to attend, the celebration will be live-streamed on the church’s website livingwordbaptist.net and uploaded to YouTube. The church is graciously providing food.

We understand this is a time of mourning, but we’d also like to use this opportunity to celebrate his good nature, sense of humor, and unique style. Eli has numerous friends, many of whom who are musicians. We would like to provide the opportunity for any friends to share their memories of Eli, or play a song in his honor.