Memories – Photos – Recipes – Music
Tributes to Chris
In Such Loving Memory of Our Dearest Christopher Quentin McMullen-Laird
Our Christopher died June 18th of an acute aortic dissection.
This page will develop as a collection of the memories from the people who were lucky enough to have him in our lives. Please share stories, memories, photos, recipes, music, poems, he is so loved and of course he’d be excited to see us all coming together and sharing the joy he brought into each of our lives.
Jasmin
I met Chris in Munich. I was walking from the S-Bahn from the airport with two big suitcases. It had started snowing heavily and Chris, seeing me struggling to cross the road in time, came over to help me. During our short walk to my godfather’s apartment, where I was staying, we realised Chris and…
Kathryn Davies
I only knew Christopher briefly in Weimar, as we were both students from the US there. But it was around the time he met Sindre. We all joined a school-organized trip to Berlin, and I often come across these photos. I have been meaning for ages to send them to Christopher and say hi. I’m…
Jane Kieran
I am a friend and co-worker at the RSHC, so I know Dr. Molly And Dr. Quentin. I met Christopher at one of the first retreats I worked at and of course felt his welcoming presence and easy nature. He was so full of life and it was contagious. Reading the memories here and how…
Phillip Cheah
“Lo duca e io per quel cammino ascoso intrammo a ritornar nel chiaro mondo; e sanza cura aver d’alcun riposo, salimmo sù, el primo e io secondo, tanto ch’i’ vidi de le cose belle che porta ‘l ciel, per un pertugio tondo. E quindi uscimmo a riveder le stelle.” The stars are shining for you,…
Samuel Teale and Quoc Nguyen
With our condolences and best wishes, this is the Adagio Espressivo from Beethoven’s last violin sonata. Gratefully and humbly dedicated to the memory of Christopher, who gave us and so many others so much warmth and inspiration. Thank you.
Sean Loftus
No Words Few words could ever convey, the true light that shines within you, Few words could ever compare, to the beauty of who you are, Few words could ever encapsulate, what radiates from your soul, Few words can express the music, that resounds through the halls of your mind. No words will…
Kathron Sturrock
In 2018 I was asked to play for a carol concert for SKY and asked my colleague Peter Stark if he could recommend someone to lead this – ‘someone warm, kind, inclusive, communicative and joyful’ – Peter said ‘I have the very person – Chris McMullen-Laird’. And he was all these things, and more.
Ria und Helmut Bindereif
Auch wir sind unsagbar traurig das Christopher so unverhofft gehen musste. Wir hatten letztes Jahr noch soviel Spaß in London. Wir wünschen seiner Familie viel Kraft für kommende Zeit. Grüße aus Heilbronn, Germany
Matt Parkin
Like so many at the RCM, I was shocked and so saddened to hear the news about Chris, and all the more because of how much life, energy and fun he brought to all those who worked with him. His warmth and ability to quickly make friends with everyone – fellow students, audiences young and…
David and Helga Lendrum
We met Christopher McMullen-Laird when we were part of the choir singing Mozart’s Requiem at the Yorke Trust in South Creake, Norfolk, UK, on 29 February 2020\. It was such an extraordinary day which we will never forget. Christopher’s conducting was so inspirational and so amazing that the concert became a special event full of…
Quoc Nguyen
❤️❤️ It’s been a few days since I first heard about this tragic news but I still can’t accept it
Carolyn Tarzia
I met Chris for the first time when he was in 10th grade, and inquiring about private Viola lessons. One month later, he called back to sign on with me, his private teacher, for lessons, and he remained with me until he graduated from high school. We became close friends during that time. He was…
Münchner internationales Orchester
Chris war unser Dirigent von 2011 bis 2014 und Ehrenmitglied des MiO. Am 18. Juni 2020 verstarb er im Alter von 36 Jahren. Lieber Chris, als Du im Oktober 2011 unser Dirigent geworden bist, hast Du uns alle sofort menschlich und musikalisch in Deinen Bann gezogen. Du hast das MiO-Leitmotiv “International. Social. Exciting.” des damals…
Claudia Rizzi
Zeke : la luce di un genio.. Un privilegio raro averne incrociato il cammino ! Conoscendolo non si poteva che amarlo.. la sua vitalità, ironia, originalità e la sua sconfinata nobiltà d’animo toccavano direttamente il cuore di ciascuno .. Una presenza per sempre !
Louise Watts
Zeke was my boss. I met him when we were teaching English on a summer camp in Germany. All the kids adored him, and frankly so did I. Some people can leave such a lasting effect and impact just by being who they are; Zeke was one of those people. His positivity was contagious. …
Nigel Bates
On behalf of The Royal Ballet Music Department I am sending all our condolences and sadness at the loss of Christopher. He had attended a lecture on ballet conducting at the Royal College of Music given by our Principal Guest Conductor Barry Wordsworth and had started to observe our work at the Royal Opera House….
Christopher Chan
What a tremendous loss. Zeke’s smile and personality lit up the room. I met Zeke when he was giving a guest lecture for an opera class at Dartmouth that I happened to be sitting in on. His passion for music was immediately apparent. I admired how he wanted everyone to experience the joys of live…
Alexandra Fleming
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…
Karen Chalmer
Dear McMullen-Lairds, My mother heart aches for your loss. My music heart aches for the world’s loss. My spirit rejoices in the ongoing light of Christopher’s presence in the world. May you gradually find what you need for mending this huge hole in the fabric of your lives! “May eternal light surround you Everlasting arms…
Uwe Bindereif
Wir können es nicht in Worte fassen und auch nicht glauben das ein so wunderbarer, lebenslustiger und herzensguter Menschen schon so früh gehen musste😔 Christopher ich bin mir sich das dort wo du jetzt bist auch alle mit deiner Offenherzigkeit begeistern wirst. Ich Wünsche dir eine gute Reise. Für deine Familie viel Kraft um diesen…
Markus Lohse
Where do songs go after they are sung? Now you have found the answer first. Prematurely. But that is not the end of music. We all will meet again and get ready for the next verse.
Elsa Benoit
I’m in total shock after the terrible news that Chris has left us. We’ve worked together at the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich. Chris’s smile, positivity, kindness were always so heart warming. We hadn’t been in touch in years, when he randomly wrote me about a month ago to congratulate me on a performance he had…
Stavanger Amatørsymfoniorkester
In memory of Christopher
Sorcha Ní Mhuimhneacháin
I was fortunate enough to meet Christopher in 2013 during his tenure as music director of the Munich International Orchestra. As a young student on Erasmus, the orchestra became an important social outlet for those of us struggling to adapt to a new culture and language. Christopher really embraced his role in that – switching…
Robert Santacroce
Fond memories of Christopher as a member of the Eurythmy troupe in high school. Lovely and sensitive young man.
Wendy Pritchard
I heard about Christopher’s unexpected death and have been heart-broken ever since. It is not exaggerating to say he changed my life. Music and singing are so important to my sense of self and well being. I have worked (as a very amateur and inadequate singer) with many many conductors since childhood. Christopher was incomparable…
Sasha Kaye
Words truly cannot express the loss of someone like Christopher. His love for others was boundless, his kindness unparalleled, his artistry inspiring. He was easily one of the most genuine people I’ve had the privilege of knowing, and it’s so hard to believe he’s gone, and that none of us will see his bright eyes…
Robert Santacroce
Fond memories of Christopher as a member of the Eurythmy troupe in high school. Lovely and sensitive young man. Confirmation day at the Christain Community Church with my son, Christopher-Michael with other friends.
Ines Daniels
About ten years ago I met Chris during an internship in an office in Berlin. We worked together only a few weeks before he left, but I remember us chatting and laughing a lot. He told me that when there was nothing to do (which was the case quite often) he would clean the office…
Ezra Tzfadya
I met Zeke in my sophomore year at Dartmouth through my friends Alexia Huffman and Peter Verovsek at the Amarna house. I was always in awe of him and the charismatic splendor and gregariousness he brought to every space he inhabited. Whether that be conducting a robust orchestra of young musicians at the lakeside retreat…
Aileen Pagan-Rohwer
What an incredible loss of light to this world! I knew him in his formative years when he was just beginning to crave for what the world was going to offer and he was getting his first few experiences working in a job. His smile, positivity and drive for excellence were always present. I only…
David McCarty
I met Christopher (Zeke) back in 2011 or 2012 here on Cape Cod, where his grandfather and family have a home in Yarmouth. I was the Artistic Director of Cape Cod Opera, at the time, and was always interested in meeting, auditioning and giving young and emerging artists an opportunity for work, as I had…
Georgie Davis
Christopher was a wonderful friend, I will never forget his incredible attitude to life and the warm aura he brought to every room he entered. The world has lost a beautiful and pure soul, but he will live on strong through all of our memories. My heart goes out to his husband and family x
Horst Peter Wilke
I got known to Christopher in concerts in the Epiphanien church in Berlin-Charlottenburg a lot of years ago when I organized all concerts for several years in this church. Christopher and me got friends and I was amazed about his friendly kindness and youth as being a very qualified conductor. We met only one weekend…
Jonathan Cheung
I only spoke to Chris a couple of times, but he struck me as a very friendly and kind person. I was surprised to find out that he was over 30 when I met him; his eagerness and cheerfulness made him come across as someone much younger.
Jennifer Johnston
God Speed, Chris. You were the best of us.
Jan Willem de With
Dear Chris, It is difficult for me to find the right words. You were far too young to leave this world behind and it is absolutely shocking and heartbreaking to read of your sudden death. To write these words feels surreal and painful. I will remember you as a smiling soul, a great talent, a…
Sofia Celenza
He was a person that put faith in me, brought out the best of myself and made me believe in it.
Martha Evans
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 –…
Janina Dillig
I met Christopher in Lambrecht, in village in the middle of nowhere in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany in 2006\. We went there for a seminar of the German American Federation for its exchange students. It was early in the morning; we were supposed to travel by bus to the Hambacher Schloss but our bus got stuck in…
Bernadette Ward
I only met Christopher a few times, through my aunt Rebecca, but it was immediately clear what a wonderful person he was. Most recently – December 2019 – we had breakfast in London with my Italian relatives, and I remember thinking ‘this man is so nice… like seriously 𝒔𝒐 nice!’ Earlier in 2019, after a bad…
Olivia Nunez
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…
Ashby Mayes
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…
Steve Allen
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…
Natalia Gonzalez
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…
William Summers
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,…
Tom Brown
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…
Melinda O’Neal
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…
Lara Poe
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!)…
Aimee Sybrant
I was blessed to include Christopher as one of my group of friends while studying abroad in Mainz in 2004. I remember his smile and laughter…he was always up for an adventure. While I have not seen him in person since, I have enjoyed watching him succeed and accomplish so much. His love of music…
Emily Frank
I met Zeke in the early 2000s at New England Music Camp. We swam together in “swim for fit” (I was terrible and he was kind and encouraging) and traded jokes in orchestra (the viola section sat just below the oboes – mostly the jokes were about burning violas or burning oboes). I kept in…
Johanna Lehtonen
I’m so sorry to hear the news. I had a chance to get to know Christopher when I was studying in Mainz, Germany as an exchange student in the winter semester 2003-2004\. He led me and other students (Sonja, Elaine and Aimee) to see ballet in Wiesbaden and that was amazing! We were spending the…
Karen Ní Bhroin
Chris and I met at his audition for RCM in 2017, we were both auditioning for the conductors course. Fast forward to August 2019 and Chris walks in smiling to the Darlington Conductor’s course which we both happened to be on too! Neither of us knew the other would be there. In typical Chris fashion,…
Kristine and John Prevost
We met Christopher at Harry’s in Cape Cod a few years ago and were so delighted to hear of all his experiences. We enjoyed a wonderful supper together that evening and have spoken of him many times since. We cannot imagine the pain the whole family is going through right now, but we would like…
Martin Habermehl
Yesterday I’ve read the shocking awful news that my wonderful friend Zeke passed away suddenly and completely unexpected – I’m devastated about this. Meeting him for the first time at Dartmouth in fall of 2004, he was a great companion and help during my New England year. Making and enjoying music with him (opera and…
Ingrid Pearson
It was a privilege to have known Chris, who joined my MMus class in September 2017\. He had just started postgraduate studies in London at the Royal College of Music. Chris stood out, even amongst his talented peers, because of the considerable musical and life experiences he had already accrued. He was always supportive of his…
Christopher Schlechte-Bond
Chris, you messaged me out of the blue one day on Facebook, we’d only really exchanged a few ‘hellos’ in person before then and I didn’t really know who you were. It just goes to show how much you had a hunger to share life with people, to meet people and be caring and kind…
Indra Tedjasukmana
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…
Magdalena Panz-Sochacka
Dear Zeke, I can’t believe you’re no longer with us here, on earth. I don’t know why God needed to summon you to the other side of Life now. I will remain forever grateful for your friendship, which enriched my Dartmouth days and continued beyond the Hanover campus. I still remember catching a glimpse of…
Cheryl Piotrowski
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. ❤️
Julie Andersen
Christopher was a shining example of Brene Brown’s “wholehearted living.” He was love! He was an influential person in my life who opened the doors of understanding to the world around me. Thank you for teaching me about feminism, social activism, and the opera. He has inspirationally packed so much life into his tragically short…
Rodney Slatford
Christopher was to have joined us in Norfolk to conduct the Yorke Trust’s summer opera production of Handel’s Jephtha this year after a stunningly successful Come & Sing Mozart’s Requiem day in February, and Jennifer Hamilton’s memorable production of Purcell’s The Tempest last July. Members of our community chorus, seasoned amateurs and those new to…
Iman Grewal
Over the last thirty years I have taught thousands of students, a few of them have left a warm imprint on my heart. Christopher was one of these students. We muddled through eight and ninth grade math together. Christopher was witty, brilliant and had a light-up-the-room smile. He was generous with his hugs and they…
Bruce Duncan
Nothing I can say seems adequate to describe the sense of loss I feel. Perhaps the following recommendation that I once wrote will help to describe some of Christopher’s unique qualities: Recommendation for Christopher McMullen-Laird 28 June 2007 Christopher McMullen-Laird is a force of nature. I can only hope that this sincere recommendation does not…
Laura Serra
Dear Chris, Those vibrant and energetic blue eyes caught me from the first time and will never be forgotten. You could see in them the passion, warmth, energy, aliveness, wisdom and desire that Chris had for everything he did. Every encounter with him was a source of inspiration, a learning experience, not only on how…
Donna Soave Weber
There are no words to convey my sadness at this news. Zeke touched me deeply with his positive energy, creativity, and humor. The picture of us gathering and sipping green Waldmeister from the Dartmouth Club of Germany’s winning cup is indelibly in my mind. Such carefree days. He was taken much too soon and the…
Tricia Cox
Thank you for bringing your shining light to Norfolk and instilling such vibrancy in our opera chorus performance in South Creake church last summer. You brought with you tremendous energy, kindness and your wonderful smile and, of course, the best hugs! A light which will never be extinguished.
Elisabetta Cappucci
Lo ricordo come un ragazzo dolce e gentile, che portava ovunque allegria!
Rachael Lapidis
Zeke, you were so accomplished and so worldly, and you wanted to share all the excitement and joy you found in the world with everyone you met. You brought all of who you were to every interaction. Your raised eyebrow could be inviting and devastating in equal measure – you were beyond measure. In the…
Yi-Fang Chen
Chris was the most warm-hearted , caring and inspiring person that I have ever met. He was always been there every time I asked him for help. I don’t have enough words to describe how lucky and grateful it was to have known him. My deepest condolences to Chris’s family and loved ones. Big hug,…
Alexia DArco
My dearest Zeke, Yesterday your death seemed like some sort of surreal nightmare. Then Owen innocently wondered why I was crying and asked “will Uncle Zeke ever come back?” And when I cried even harder and squeezed him ever so tightly, he put his little head on my shoulder and patted my back and said…
Michela Zaniboni
Remembering Thanksgiving 2011 and visit in London 2018. Love from the Antonicelli family
Moira Walsh
I love you so much Chris! Bruderherz! I’ve been writing poems to you every night and many, many memories are coming up. I will share more when I am able. Here we are jumping into the Blau River in Blaubeuren, Germany. July 2017\. SPLASH!!! Markus or Sindre took the photos. Your friend always, Moirissima
Ellen Rostker
Sending healing prayers hugs love and light at this very difficult time for you all. May Christopher’s memory be a blessing to you all, always! 🙏🙏🙏
Anna Maria Manera
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…
Gaye Rosland
I just recently met Christopher as he was passing by my home in old town Stavanger. We had a short visit when he told me that he and his husband were neighbours so I told him to pop in one day and we could share a glass of wine…he did, and we had such a…
Maria Seralessandri
I still can’t believe it happened so suddenly, without knowing how and why. I can’t find suitable words right now. I was really lucky to have met you. Goodbye Zecke.
Anais Itani
I remember when we were rehearsing for the King’s College London Symphonic Orchestra’s second concert, in that cold and large room on the Strand campus. It was in early February, we were all tired and sniffling from the cold, but rehearsing Finladia by Sibelius made our hearts warm and fingers move on our instruments. Chris…
Margo Miller
I met Christopher on November 26 last year. It was my mother’s 79th birthday and she was visiting from Florida. She saw that Melinda O’Neal, Professor Emerita of Music at Dartmouth College would be presenting a lecture/concert about Berlioz at Cadogan Hall. Professor O’Neal gave a shout out to her former student Christopher Quentin. During…
Gabriella Bischofberger
I say a Little prayer for Christopher McMullen-Laird. You shall travel well and calm, like in your mother’s arm, I will keep you in my heart, my friend, its not an end, take the love to the other side where music plays and you will surely be – eternally happy. For Zeke from Gabriella
KC Gates
I knew Zeke in college. We weren’t close, but he was a friend that could always bring a smile to your face. His passion and enthusiasm for music was infectious, and our interactions always left me feeling inspired.
Giulio Genovese
I have never met anybody quite like Zeke. The way he loved people and life was unmatched and his enthusiasm was contagious. I met Zeke at Dartmouth in 2005. I did not get to see him much over the years after that but he would always reach out when coming to Boston and the time…
Dan Ayling
I’m so shocked to hear of your death, Christopher. We met briefly in Munich when I revived George Benjamin’s opera Written on Skin, and your bright energy was utterly engaging. Your warmth, fun and clear talent shone at every moment and I can’t believe your light has been extinguished so soon. RIP
Cookbook
Chris was as enthusiastic an eater as he was a cook! We’d like to collect recipes (along with the stories behind them) to share with everyone so he can have a home in our kitchens. Of course Chris’ own recipe collection will be featured.
Memorial Playlist
A spotify collaborative playlist of songs that make us think of Chris, and spark that special kind of feeling that can’t be named but is undeniably Chris.
Thoughts & Prayers
From His Family
His Friends and Colleagues
Join us in continuing Christopher’s impact!
Contributions are not tax deductible, we are working on scholarships and causes that continue Chris’ gesture in the world. You will be notified as soon as there is a chance to direct your donation to a specific cause.