Remembering Edmund

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

We were very sorry to hear of the death of Edmund Reid, our leader from 1994 to 2015, and would like to offer our condolences to his family and friends. As Levon (Parikian, Artistic Director) says:

"Edmund (affectionately known as Eddie) Reid’s genial demeanour hid a musician of great sensitivity and integrity who led the Rehearsal Orchestra with distinction for more than 20 years. His ease at the violin set the standard for the section, but his presence was never intimidating, and he was always ready with a  kind word of encouragement when the going got tough. He brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the leader’s role, and even the shortest orchestral solo was graced with his natural, singing tone. A supportive leader, he had strong opinions about orchestral string playing, but was always ready to try the alternative, and if he disagreed with a conductor’s ideas he would argue the toss with good humour. He usually won."
 

"Whenever I hear Ein Heldenleben, I always remember the beautiful way Eddie played the solos when we worked on it with Rehearsal Orchestra - such a treat."
Elizabeth Rantzen, RO Chair

 

Edmund Reid leading the Rehearsal Orchestra. Artwork by Adele Wagstaff.

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