It’s so unbelievably sad that Chris has been taken at such an early age. He gave so much to all who met him at the RCM. He wanted to hear everyone play and experience as much as possible there. His enthusiasm was infectious and his sheer joy in hearing music was a delight.
His spirit will live on at the RCM and I’m sure in many other places too.
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…
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…
I haven’t seen Chris since we graduated from high school but I have clear memories of his kind, sincere character. We were in the orchestra together and I was always impressed with the way he approached music. I knew he experienced the music in a way that I did not. But, he was always supportive….
I’m a Canadian opera singer, and in spring 2014 I was a guest artist at the Munich Staatsoper for a new production of Zimmerman’s Die Soldaten. It was a huge production, and one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. It was also the first time I had ever worked with a prompter. In…
This performance of Biber’s Passacaglia is for Chris. I thought of this piece specifically for him since the descending ground bass is often interpreted as the steps that a human being takes as they walk through life. In fact, this piece is also called the “Guardian Angel” and there is an engraving of an angel…
Thank you Zeke for the unforgettable moments when you, Sindre and I were rehearsing Lohengrin on my couch in Cologne, before we went to see the opera. Andreas and I had the first chance to see you conduct in Rheinsberg. we stopped at my parents’ for a short visit in Rosbach and they were fascinated…