I met Chris briefly in 2018 when we were both watching the rehearsals of the Royal Opera House’s Ring Cycle, and I’m still struck by his effortless warmth and the kindness he radiated.
On one day, he and I followed the music using a single score and it makes me smile to remember how clearly neither of us had any idea where in the score we were and to think what a sincere, joyful person he was.
My deepest condolences for the loss of this wonderful man.
In my experience with Christopher, and in so many more I’m reading about from others, he showed the ability to almost instantaneously make people become a better version of themselves, with his warmth and generosity, and his enormous energy, talent, and skill. What an enormous loss.
Chris was the most extraordinary human being I have ever met. His positive influence with us at KCLSO was immeasurable. Personally, it was an honour to work beside Chris on my first proper concerto with the orchestra, which involved a wonderful tour to Loire Valley. I will cherish our memories of working on it together….
I remember hearing about Christopher long before I met him, which was during the late 90s. At the time, I was Purple’s voice teacher and lived just down the street from the McMullen-Laird family. I taught quite a number of Steiner School students and Christopher’s reputation definitely preceded him! He had been described to me…
As with everyone, I deeply grieve the loss of such a vibrant, loving, delightful, talented, hard working, young man, Chris McMullen-Laird. I was his orchestra teacher at Pioneer H.S. in Ann Arbor, MI, during his time there. During his senior year, we had him conduct the orchestra at one of our final concerts. And with…
I join the many who are sending prayers on your way into the spiritual world. May the love that accompanies you help through guide the way. Your deeds inspire me!
Cape Cod is a haven for all of the Lairds and Christopher spent so many loving days with his Grandfather here. He shared Summers on the Cape with his siblings as children, and played with my Daughter when she was five. Over the years he brought so many friends, as this was a second home…