Fredrich Von Huene

Goodbye, Friedrich

We render deepest homage to the great Friedrich von Huene, who died peacefully last Sunday near his wife Ingeborg, their children, and grandchild.

You will be reading elsewhere about Friedrich’s enormous contribution to the early instrument revival, his pioneering studies of historic wind instruments, his success in creating an independent business, and his profound influence on a younger generation of craftsmen/instrument makers.

But what I want to evoke right now, so gratefully, is Friedrich’s wonderful presence in, and enthusiasm for, the art of early music. He and Inge were charter members of the Camerata of the Museum of Fine Arts (now the Boston Camerata), and their skill on a range of instruments, and evident love for the repertoires, made a deep and lasting impression on the youngster I was in 1963, performing for the first time with the ensemble. Friedrich loved to play. He had a rich and personal sound on recorders and flute, and his forward-looking energy imparted vitality and focus to what was at that early point a sometimes-tentative mix of professionals and amateurs.

Friedrich continued to perform with Camerata for several seasons after its change in directorship, and co-founded, with me, the Cambridge Consort. He and Inge remained connected for many years with the world of Boston performance, encouraging young musicians and mentoring so many of us with good advice and friendship. Friedrich and Inge, it must not be forgotten, were co-founders of the Boston Early Music Festival; their vision for our field lives happily on, and continues to inspire us.

I and the Boston Camerata are honored to have known Friedrich von Huene as colleague, mentor, and friend. At this time of sadness, but also of consoling memory of a life well lived, we send loving condolences to his wife and family.

 
– Joel Cohen 5/11/2016

tom_zajak.jpg
We announce, with very heavy heart, the death yesterday of our colleague and beloved friend, Tom Zajac. His long exit from this world was not an easy one; there was much pain along the way, both for Tom and for those near him. And even now there are many tears still to be shed. But not by Tom; he is now at peace, and that is the blessing we who remain behind can all share.

Tom’s love of music, and life, was like an inner flame, and that flame gave him a glow from within. The flame was also something he knew how to transmit to others, as the outpouring of affection and caring from so many people these last months and weeks so amply shows. Even more wonderful: that beneficent, life-giving, contagious flame has not gone out. It continues to live in our hearts, and we pledge to nurture and renew it in our future music-making and through our actions in the world.

We also send our love and condolences to Lilli Nye. We’ll be there for you, Lilli, to the best of our mortal abilities. Thank you for sharing so much with us, in such a pure and honest and generous way. You teach us all how to deal with profound loss.

Tom appears in the opening of this video.