KC Gates

I first met Chris at the University of Music “Franz Liszt” in Weimar, Germany where I studied Jazz Vocal Performance and Composition / Arranging. Chris was my lecturer in English diction and speech training. His lessons were hands on and practical, but what´s more he was vivid, lively, friendly and radiating with honesty, authenticity and…

Qualche anno fa, Zeke era nel Salento per lavoro e io, che ero dai miei, lo invita a casa in occasione della festa patronale e lo presentai ai miei genitori e ai miei amici: feci un figurone, lui conquistò tutti. Mio padre, sbalordito dalla sua conoscenza della storia italiana, per giorni non fatto altro che…

It was an honour to have met and known Chris only for a short time, during a two week period at Dartington International Summer School 2019,  where he was conducting the orchestra in which I played. His charisma and infectious enthusiasm, warmth and humour were clear to all – evidenced by his many tributes –…

Though I haven’t seen Christopher in many years, I have a memory of how he could light up a room and make you feel so special when he greeted you. Clearly an angelic force on earth recalled to the heavenly realms so abruptly to continue his work. ❤️

I am so saddened and shocked to hear of Zeke’s abrupt passing. I knew Zeke at Dartmouth, where we shared a love for learning Italian and the Santa Fe opera. He was always so welcoming to me, and always greeted me with smile and a warmth that truly made me feel special. I remember my…