Ulrike Rainer
I planted a willow tree near a small brook to remember Chris by.
I planted a willow tree near a small brook to remember Chris by.
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…
Medical summer retreat in 2.000\. Christopher 17 years old. Even then he was already a conductor. Somehow he had everything in hand. He was somehow indispensable in this pioneering phase of an anthroposophical clinic. Not only because he started singing together with patients and coworkers in the early morning or performed as an entertainer and…
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…
Christopher was a remarkable RCM student, with a rare ability to inspire others. His was a radiant personality, with a musical talent to match. We worked together on a Mozart project in his final year; he was insightful and passionate. Deepest condolences from the entire College community. From the RCM Director
Christopher entered our lives last year when he came to Norfolk to conduct the Yorke Trust’s summer opera, The Tempest. On our journey from the station when he told me the choristers would be singing the opera choruses from memory, it didn’t seem achievable. I soon discovered that through Chris’ absolute belief in peoples’ abilities,…
We are notes Of differing tempos On the staff if life Some of us Are conductors Who lead others In harmonies Leading to grand finales!