Mark Messenger

Christopher – or Zeke, as we called him at Dartmouth – and I became dear friends in college despite never having taken a single class together. We have always shared a love of languages and as undergraduates, we had a common (and very lucrative!) side job as teaching assistants for introductory French and German courses….

My Dear Chris: ever since we met at the Bayerische Staatsoper back in 2012, we stayed in touch, and I was so delighted that we crossed paths a little more when you brought your life to London.  You were destined for great things in music, and your shining personality, enthusiasm, and knowledge were infectious.  I’ll…

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…

Chris had the brightest soul of anyone I have ever known. Over the past few days it is clear to see that those who knew Chris as family, friend, musician, or otherwise would agree. As friend and mentor, Chris taught me so much both musically and beyond and the trust he showed KCLSO and myself…

“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,…

After knowing Christopher for only a short while, it was clear to me that he was a truly exceptional person.  From our very first meeting he made me feel such a special friend and valued colleague as he always offered generous words of encouragement. His incandescence shone through those beautiful eyes and irrepressible smile. Thank…