in 1933, adolf hitler became chancellor of germany. anti-jewish violence in germany and throughout europe was on the rise. aronson decided to change his name to lev arnoff, which sounded more russian than jewish in an attempt to escape attention and continue performing. aronson found a patroness, mrs. daliba jones, whom he met in florence through american conductor vladimir shavitch, and began to build a successful performing career throughout europe as a soloist. he won a competition in russia. he made several recordings for the bellacord electro label. in 1937, he became principal cellist for the philharmonic orchestra of libau. during the late 1930s, aronson also began teaching cello in riga, awakening a passion for education that would stay with him for the rest of his life.