Thank you all for the many messages and comments on my last blog post, in which I noted that it’s been ten years since my husband, Carl Crosier, passed from this world into the next. Over two hundred people either posted a “Like” on my Facebook post or wrote a comment — for each one, I thank you for your words of sympathy and support. In many ways it seems like it’s been decades, instead of just ten years ago. My lifelong friends, Frank and Sue Haas, took me to a Thai restaurant, Chef Chai, for a delicious dinner, where we remembered and toasted Carl’s love of fine food.

Please indulge me while I share the photos from that night:

I was pleasantly surprised and happy to see the article in today’s local newspaper, the Star-Advertiser about my friend, violinist Maile Reeves, whom I’ve known since the 90s or longer. The writer, Bob Sigall, recently attended a Hawaii Symphony Orchestra concert, and thought that an interview with a member of the orchestra would make a good story.

Over my 35 years on the staff of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu, Maile was contracted frequently to play our Bach cantatas and other special events requiring instrumentalists. Maile has also been contracted by Early Music Hawaii to play those concerts. So, Maile and I have a long history of performing together, and seeing each other at parties and other social engagements.

During the 11 years that I was heavily involved in the Japanese wedding business, we added a violinist to our staff as a premium option, to play along on the processional and recessional. During the recitation of the vows, the violinist played the theme from “Jupiter” from Holst’s Planets, to add a special moment to the ceremony. It was Maile Reeves who frequently played that role.

The article was quite extensive (unfortunately, I think it’s behind a paywall), but let me share the part that stood out for me:

I asked which conductor was her most memorable. “Andre Previn,” she said. “Many years ago he was in town to guest-conduct the Honolulu Symphony. We were given two days to put a show together. The difficult repertoire was so woefully underrehearsed that we musicians anticipated catastrophe.

“We were still playing wrong notes at our dress rehearsal. Our entrances were sloppy, our intonation questionable. If there’s one thing musicians loathe, it is to perform when we aren’t ready. We need to know that we are going to nail everything before we get to the concert.

“Mr. Previn, casually noting our collective stress, refused to be fussed. He soothingly said, ‘Don’t worry. I’ll help you.’ I was dubious about how exactly he would accomplish such “a monumental feat.“

However, at the concert it became clear to me why he was such a big name in the music world. When we placed our trust and reputation in his hands, he gifted us with the most beautiful, completely perfect road map to follow.

“We had zero wrong turns, no wrong entrances, no derails. We were tight, taut and terrific, and he made us look great. It was one of the easiest, most exhilarating performances I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. And the audience responded in kind.”

Which leads me to my conclusion that the person who stands in front of a musical ensemble, whether it be an orchestra or a choir, has a big part in how that group performs. When I was in college, I was in an experimental choir which had a different conductor every single week! I was absolutely astounded that the ensemble sounded different with every conductor. Each director brought a separate set of ears and different ways of interpreting the music, different ways of rehearsal.

Most people would be shocked to hear that Carl Crosier never took a single conducting class in his life! But he became a very good conductor because he knew what he wanted from his performers and he knew how to get it out of them. People trusted his musical sense and they trusted him to learn the music and to teach it to others quickly and efficiently.

Here are some comments about Carl as a music director by people who played or sang in his ensembles:

Loved playing for him. Peace. (Pavel Morunov, oboeist)

Carl was so gifted and could be a bit intimidating to those who didn’t know him. I’ll always remember how encouraging he was to Sharon and I and got us to write things musically we never thought we could, (Doris Au MacDonald, songwriter)

Gone too soon. Carl was the first musician who believed in me and he gave me the confidence to use my voice. I am certain he is so very proud of you Kathy for the way in which you have carried on. I miss Carl and think of him often so I can’t imagine how his absence is for you. God bless you for sharing your talents and for all the beauty you bring to this world  (Debbie Behnke, former chorister)

Carl is forever in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for reaching out to remind us! (Georgine Stark, former chorister and soloist)

Thank you for reminding us! I make prayers of thanksgiving for you and Carl every time I sing. (Keane Ishii, former chorister and soloist)

Carl was always so very kind and encouraging to me. We started as colleagues and continued as friends. I admired his incredible musicianship. He gave me such wonderful opportunities, singing St. Matthew and Cantata 82 for him, and numerous smaller projects. I regret that I wasn’t able to convince him to sing Ruth for our production of Pirates of Penzance! He was one of a kind. (Tim Carney, choral conductor)

Ten years ago… I’m holding you in my heart and prayers at this difficult time. Carl left a lasting legacy at LCH and with the Castro family. (Olivia Castro, former chorister)

He was terrific  (Laurilyn Butin, violinist)

Carl made a huge impact on me as singer. He encouraged me to do solo and ensemble work when I didnʻt believe I was ready! His influence on everyone who ever sang under his direction is immeasurable. What an honor to have had him as a choir conductor. We were so lucky! (David Del Rocco, former chorister)

Jennifer has the most wonderful memories of working with him and St Matthew in 2000 was her first email gig. Hard to believe that it was new then. Before that was always phone and fax! Great to see that his memory continues to serve as a blessing. (message written by Jim Carr, husband of Jennifer Lane, who sang in the St. Matthew performances)

I’m so very sorry, Kathy. What a wonderful picture of Carl. He is not forgotten; I’m so grateful for the beautiful musical memories he created with you.  (Karin Brown, former soprano soloist)