Arne Döpke

I vividly remember walking into college on the first day of induction week in 2017, impostor syndrome kicking in and all. I met Chris on one of the college tours. His electrifying smile and genuine interest in my past and future aspirations made me regain the warmth I had left with my family back home…

“Wohin können wir denn sterben, wenn nicht in immer höheres, größeres, schwersterblicheres – Leben hinein!” (Christian Morgenstern)  Vom 17.-31.8.2001 war ich als Krankenschwester beim “annual Summer Therapeutic Retreat at Lake Huron Retreat Center, Michigan”. Das war initiiert durch Molly und Quentin McMullen und Christopher war so etwas wie ein merkurieller Multimanager, kannte sich immer aus,…

Mein lieber Christopher, es ist ein schöner Sommerabend und eigentlich fände das 2. Hauptereignis der Stadt Mainz, die Johannisnacht statt. Nun schließt  Corona solche Großveranstaltungen aus. Die Spargelsaison endet traditionell an Johannis, dem 24. Juni und es war Spargelzeit vor 17 Jahren. Wir hatten einen Gast, einen ehemaligen VDAC Stipendiaten aus der UT in Austin,…

Dearest Zeke,   For your most precious friendship, we thank you. For the times we spent together, sharing music, opera, books, stories, projects, food, Mozart, hopes and dreams, we thank you. For your never-ending love and  devotion to your family and friends, we thank you. Your winning smile, infectious laughter, fun- loving, creative self and…

In the few times I saw Chris when he visited the Croydon Music and Arts centre to conduct our orchestra, I distinctly remember his advice, positive manner and sense of humour. He was an inspiring conductor, and we genuinely looked forward to seeing him in the future.

I became friends with Zeke at Dartmouth where we were classmates.  I don’t recall how we met, but we spent the most time together over sophomore summer.  There were swimming adventures, ice cream, long evenings on the porch, and “Prom” at the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge (where this photo was taken).  Zeke’s eyes were always filled…