Maria Seralessandri

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…

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…

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…

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.

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 –…

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…