Craig Smith Memorial

Quotes from Friends

“… he was wonderfully gracious and encouraging [to us] … besides the musical gifts that were so apparent to all, we found his generosity of spirit to be a gift of especially great meaning … We can only aspire to conduct ourselves the same way in our study of and search for those elusive musical heights we always hope to find, and in our treatment of all musicians, writers, and artists who struggle to impact a chaotic world often indifferent to the life-altering power of art.”
Susan Cooke, Mezzo-soprano & Artistic Director, Arte Lyrica

“He was so full of knowledge that it was as if Bach's music had melted in him and just poured out of him … He was always very energetic and so committed to what he was doing.”
Onyu Park

“Craig taught me volumes each weekend - sometimes in a musicological tidbit, other times in a request for a new color or articulation - always in a supportive, encouraging manner.  As I left a rehearsal of Cantata 146 this morning, I was longing to hear the words: "Bravo, Beautiful, 9:15!" Although I left Boston five years ago, Craig - and my entire experience with Emmanuel Music, continues to inspire and motivate me.  Thank you, Craig, for all the brilliance you brought to your community!”
Amy Schneider

“I have known Craig Smith since we were in grade school … Craig and I talked constantly about music, and I remember one occasion when we actually argued over which of us loved it more. But while I was content to listen to music, Craig was obsessed, and he had to make music … I hadn't seen Craig since the late 1960s when I visited him last year … I was sad to see that Craig was in physical decline,  but to realize that he had made his life in music, and at a level of excellence, was deeply gratifying.  Until reading these obituaries and tributes, I had no idea that Craig's accomplishments were so varied and widespread. But when I remember his love for music, and his devotion to it, I'm not surprised.”
Bryan Wiggin

“My experiences with Emmanuel music and the creative family that has been nurtured over these many years is in one sense embracing, encouraging and in another sense exhilarating … I am humbled and very privileged to have had the opportunity to make magnificent music with the Emmanuel musicians and most especially with Craig. All of us will forever hear his voice over the strains of Bach's genius.”
Karyl Ryczek

“There are few musical experiences that regularly stop me in my tracks. The Sunday services at Emmanuel were one, and I hope they will continue with all of you as creators.  Thank you, thank you.”
Nan Doyle

“Well, what can you say really?   It was a lot of beautiful music......great moments.  We're just lucky we were here at the same time he was.”
Fred Clarke

“I am fortunate to have studied Choral Literature with Craig Smith at Boston University … He was a generous teacher, and his work continues with my own students, who hear his words coming out of my mouth every day.  My gratitude for knowing him is immense.  Thank you, Professor Smith.”
Barbara Wild

“It is not only music Craig shared with everyone around him, but his passion, enthusiasm, generosity, infinite curiosity, deep commitment to justice, [and] ability to remain shocked at the blatant and subtle outrages and intolerance he saw.  Everything he did came from his heart.”
Gene Slater

“Mr. Smith will be an inspiration to us forever. His work will remain a Great Lesson about Persistence, Perfection, Passion, and Love.”
Natalia and Campbell Ellsworth

“Craig will be missed deeply as both a musician and great human being.”
Irving G. Steinberg

“Craig Smith was my Choral Literature professor at Boston university.  His mind was like an encyclopedia. If I absorbed even a small fraction of what he knew, my life is all the better for it.”
Nathan Zullinger

“Craig was the heart and soul of Emmanuel Music.  He created a haven for smart, talented, passionate musicians to assemble and make great music, whether in the church, in oratorio, in opera or in chamber music and art song.  I don't think that the early music or art song scenes would be half of what they are in Boston, if it weren't for him.  Under Craig, Emmanuel Music became one of the things that made Boston unique, and we'll all be impoverished without him.”
James C. Liu

“Craig’s work and legacy at Emmanuel Church has set a musical and artistic standard that is not likely to be surpassed and fully enriched our cultural life in Boston and beyond.  His music will certainly live on in our heart, mind and soul for years to come.”
Donald Fox

“… his life was not only devoted to music but immeasurably connected with it, day by day and hour by hour … Like JSB himself he was someone who believed that his role in life was to serve the Muse and give himself to the task 100%. He was a real match for the  great composer into whom he had been granted a very special insight and he will be sorely missed.”
Graham Johnson

“There is surely less music in the world now. I will miss Craig and all the cheer and beauty he gave us.”
Peg Nelson

“His 37 years at Emmanuel were far too few.”
Ted Live