RICHARD HICKOX

I found out while in San Francisco that beloved conductor Richard Hickox had died suddenly in Wales. Why him? He was such a fantastic guy, and a wonderful musician. He brought such joy to whatever he did, and he made it a joy for the rest of us. There was nothing like the sparkle in his eye when the orchestra he was conducting did something fabulous - he was like a naughty little kid in a candy shop. He'd look back at you as if to say, "How about that for a sound?!" with that destinctive Hickox twinkle in his eye. He was a stalwart supporter and friend throughout my career - he was one of the most frequent conductors in my musical life, and I have many glowing memories of music we made. (Gulbenkian Sea Symphony, ENO Alcina, LA Opera Capuleti, Spoleto Creation, not to mention the LSO Hansel and Gretel...) I miss him already. As I've said to several friends, he wasn't just a great musician, he was just a great GUY. I think that at the end of the day, it's the personal connections you make in your life that have the most meaning. And Richard was beloved by all.