Exactly one week ago, I stood in the quiet embrace of the Burchfield Penney Art Center, attending a Remembrance event for Charles – or Charlie, as his family and friends lovingly called him.
The event unfolded like a delicate symphony: a mini “A Musical Feast” concert followed by more music, drinks, and tender recollections of a life well-lived. As others shared their memories of Charlie, I found myself unable to listen fully, submerged instead in my own.
“Charlie was always on a different frequency,” Irene said. “He is still with us today, just on a different frequency.” I may not recall her exact words, but their truth struck me deeply – about Charlie, about all of us.
I first met Charles through his wife, Irene, before his retirement. I was fortunate to witness his violin playing with the BPO and later became a regular attendee of “A Musical Feast,” which began at the Kavinoky Theatre in 2006.
Irene introduced Charles to my art and from 2007, when I opened my home gallery, they became a cherished presence in my life, attending many of my performance installations, having mind- and soul-stirring conversations on my back porch.
We bonded over shared memories of childhood tales, European travels, and our mutual aversion to the cold. We bonded over our status as “blow-ins” here in Buffalo and stories of our beloved cats, those wise companions who understand far more than they will ever let us know.
What stays with me most are our road trips. Charles at the wheel, Irene’s biting humor sparring playfully with his gentle, unwavering kindness. I admired how he let Irene be Irene fully herself, unfiltered and fierce – and how he loved and respected her with so much grace. Together, they taught me something precious: that even when people are on “different frequencies,” as Irene so beautifully put it, they can still cherish each other in the space of great love.
Charles will continue to live in our hearts and memories. And, just as he described “A Musical Feast” as “another opportunity to keep playing,” he will keep playing – only now on yet another frequency.
Keep playing, Charles…
For those who haven’t heard about Charles until now, it’s never too late to learn about him.