Dear Zeke, I woke up yesterday to the devastating news that you had passed. I have spent the better part of the morning trying to wrap my mind around that fact; I still don’t understand it. It is impossible to imagine a world without you in it. And while I don’t have words, I do…
Chris was one of the most enthusiastic, hardworking, musical and loving people I have ever met. He had the most contagious smile and he radiated positivity. He loved life and cared for everyone and I hope to live my life to the fullest the same way he did. Thank you for being such a wonderful…
When Jeanne and I heard this morning that Christopher had passed we were both immediately inspired to go to God with prayers for His mother, Molly, his father, Quentin and for his sisters and brother. We asked Him to comfort them and to minister, to what must be, their incredible sadness following the loss of…
My dearest Chris (I`ll always still call you Dimitryi): All I can think about is why I had to miss your party last year in Munich. I thought my kids would be too loud, so I promised to come to the next one. The kids would grow older, and meanwhile you would post amazing nature…
For Christopher A great shadow has darkened the sky. The birds have begun their silent mourning. They sense the powerful moment of someone’s passing. Nature knows another spirit has retired from the earth, and we who remain behind veil our faces as we weep uncontrollably. Incomplete explanations force our minds to ask and ask again,…
I have felt lost ever since I read the tragic news of Christopher’s untimely passing. Looking at the lovely messages of remembrance have helped me to reinforce what I already knew – that Christopher was a one of a kind. I will never forget his incredible warmth, his infectious smile, his enthusiasm, his inclusivity, and…
During the two years I first knew Zeke at Dartmouth (his first and second years), he was voraciously curious, unfailingly kind, and unstoppable in his quest to learn. His extraordinary gifts spanned music and languages in particular, and he was an amazing teacher. Zeke sang in Handel Society, took conducting, and served as an assistant…
Christopher was my cool crazy cousin that took life by the reigns. Few people can say that they have followed and embraced their true passion in life. Chris did exactly that. I’ll never forget when he visited NJ for some type of family party (one of my sibling’s high school graduation I think) and he…
Here is a video of a premiere of mine that Christopher conducted. I originally wrote this piece for the conducting auditions at the RCM, which is when we first worked together. Before that, we would hang out around the RCM, go to concerts, or go to Imperial for a drink (and none of that changed!)…