Alexander Dawkins

I briefly met Christopher for the first time in February 2019, before properly meeting in November last year. We met in Paris where Christopher was passing through on one of his regular train trips from Germany to London, where we had arranged our first read through for a concert in December. The concert was my first ever concerto that I played with an orchestra, and I was definitely very nervous, but Christopher was instantly so reassuring and supportive, and he truly made the experience so unforgettable.

In the short time that I knew Christopher, his musical ability was of course clear, but what stood out to me the most was how kind he was. I remember him offering to let me stay with his family if I was ever visiting New York from Canada (where I was going to study after Paris), changing all of his travel plans and flying back from Norway to make sure that we could have an extra rehearsal together, and always promising to do everything he could to help if I ever wanted something. He was, of course, exceptionally talented, and it was in that context that I knew him, but his generosity, selflessness and unwavering happiness will be what I will always remember him by. 

It may be a cliche to say that Christopher had a zest for life, or that he brought joy to the lives of others, but it is certainly rare to find someone who had these qualities in such abundance. Though I feel sadness for not having known Christopher longer, I am without doubt just extremely grateful that I knew him at all, and I know that the world will miss his effortless joy and kindness.

Rest in peace.