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Christopher Mcmullen-Laird
September 30, 1983 - June 17, 2020
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Memories
Memories
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Condolences
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2020-06-23 21:20:35 View / Comment (0)
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2020-06-21 17:05:11 View / Comment (0)William Summers
June, 2019, Christopher and Bill Summers going into the Royal College for Christopher's conducting recital.
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2020-06-20 21:38:42 View / Comment (0)
Georgia Dawson
My final memory of Chris is him showing me round KCL. He was full of excitement and pure joy and we discussed potential for concerts there. Some of which were crazily ambitious and exciting and just so artistic. And that’s how I remember him in any moment we crossed paths. Enthusiastic, ambitious and always ready to create and be the incredible musician he was. I also remember a ridiculous moment where I split a note drastically in rehearsal and he just looked at me, cracked up and winked. And the came and gave me a hug and a compliment afterwards. A completely unnecessary act of kindness to make someone else feel appreciated. A defining factor of how I always saw him. His memory will most certainly be an inspiration
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2020-06-20 15:49:23 View / Comment (0)
Antonio Sa-Dantas
From all I could remember, from the few interactions I did have with him, he was a happy, generous, lovely person. Every time I saw him he radiated contentment, and it was quite impossible not have a smile after being with him too. And he was generous with his time, his attention, his knowledge. The most time I spent with him was during some conducting afternoons in the student accommodation PCV, in which he gave a small group of people interested in conducting some excellent and very constructive advice. He knew what he was talking about, and, above all, knew how to share it with others too. It was only fleetingly I got to meet his husband, but I have to say that even in his relationship, looking at it from afar, I was inspired by him. A person I won't forget, that had a positive influence in my life, for which I am very thankful.
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2020-06-20 13:07:50 View / Comment (0)Vincenzo Di Francesco
One of the first celebratory dinners at The Oak, at the beginning of our second term in college. Your natural talent to bring people together and make everyone feel welcome, loved and cared for was unparalleled. You really were a people's person and one of the more empathetic human beings I've ever met Chris. We all will miss you and we'll cherish forever the memories of the moments we spent with you!
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2020-06-20 12:41:25 View / Comment (0)Olivia Turner
Chris was such a talented conductor who I had a pleasure to work with a couple of times. Most notably, I had a great time working with Chris on my last project at RCM last summer. It was a performance that I will never forget and I thoroughly enjoyed the fun, warm and enthusiastic spirit Chris brought to all rehearsals and the performance.
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2020-06-20 11:57:59 View / Comment (0)Laura Serra
A beautiful memory from a coffee place, where we realised we were wearing the same jumper!. We have a beautiful walk and conversation after that photo. An inspirational one, as always. Laura
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2020-06-20 11:56:08 View / Comment (0)
Laura Serra
Dear Chris, Those vibrant and energetic blue eyes caught me from the first time and will never be forgotten. You could see in them the passion, warmth, energy, aliveness, wisdom and desire that Chris had for everything he did. Every encounter with him was a source of inspiration, a learning experience, not only on how to be a better musician, but a better person. I will always remember his joyful spontaneity when I bumped into him, and I was heading to a Yoga class, to which I invited him, and he, with a big smile in his face joined me. Chris always had a moment for everyone, even though he was one of the busiest people I have ever met, he had time for his friends and loved ones, and lead an exemplar way of life, which inspired me and influenced on my own life style. Chris, my friend, I wish we had one more conversation, on more laugh, one more hug, I wish we had gone for that coffee date we didn't manage to go. I wish you were still here with us. With all the love in my heart. I miss you.
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2020-06-20 11:43:38 View / Comment (0)
Anais Itani
I remember when we were rehearsing for the King's College London Symphonic Orchestra's second concert, in that cold and large room on the Strand campus. It was in early February, we were all tired and sniffling from the cold, but rehearsing Finladia by Sibelius made our hearts warm and fingers move on our instruments. Chris would always put a smile on our faces with his funny metaphors and grand gestures when conducting and explaining exactly what he wanted from us. On that particular evening, I remember him stopping us in the middle of the piece: he wasn't hearing what he wanted and knew he could do more. He said that he wanted us to play Finlandia whilst imagining that we were gloriously flying over the snowy forests of Finland, and made swooping gestures with his arms. Something about that sentence struck me and stuck with me, I'm not sure why. It made so much sense, and the piece took a completely different colour in my eyes. Even though the time I knew for him was too short, I am so grateful to have had him as a conductor. He opened my eyes on the creativeness of interpretations of music, and all its subtleties. Playing with you was a pleasure and an honour Chris. Your boundless energy, dedication and patience were incomparable. Rest in peace.
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2020-06-20 09:08:46 View / Comment (0)
Samuel Mallia
I vividly remember walking into college on the first day of induction week in 2017, imposter syndrome kicking in and all. I met Chris on one of the college tours. His electrifying smile and genuine interest in my past and future aspirations made me regain the warmth I had left with my family back home in Malta. Looking back, knowing what Chris accomplished, he should have been the one I felt most intimidated by. His humility has always been inspiring. I feel very lucky to have met and worked with Chris. He has been a true source of inspiration and motivation in pursuing my future, and sharing a smile with anyone I meet in the process.
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2020-06-20 01:31:22 View / Comment (0)Bethan Griffiths
I heard this devastating news early hours this morning and have since been trying to process this tragedy and find the right words to say. It is just unreal. Even though I had only known Chris for a couple of years during our masters in RCM he became a hugely important part of everyone’s college journey including mine. There was rarely an orchestral project without Chris’ presence and I really enjoyed working alongside him over the past few years. He always greeted everyone with a smile and a sparkle in his eyes and always had something inspiring, informative and helpful to say. My most recent memory was playing L’Apres Midi d’un Faune with Chris conducting, we had such a wonderful time on this project and Chris was always sure not to forget about us harpists tucked away in the back of the orchestra ☺️ Even during projects he wasn’t conducting, he always helped out during rehearsals offering insightful tips and advice whilst listening to rehearsals. When we performed Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique Chris was always on hand to encourage us harpists, check balance and coach us along the way. I will always be grateful for the time that I spent with him - the many backstage chats during orchestral projects and last minute words of wisdom before performances! He was an incredible musician who touched many people’s lives. I am sad to not have any photos of myself with Chris but have found a photo that he sent me of a concert of ours he came to watch (as well as attending our final rehearsal to give us some last minute inspiration and coaching!) somehow I missed the photo but it really captures his happiness and positivity and how this was felt by everyone around him. I am sending my sincere condolences to Sindre, his family and friends. Thank you Chris for everything that you brought to this world, sleep tight ❤️
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2020-06-20 00:05:17 View / Comment (0)
Cefi Penny
I'd only met Chris a handful of times but that was enough to know he was a very special and extremely talented person. I remember being in the TV room at PCV and he came in, randomly offering me and my friends some fudge he had made with his husband, even though he didn't know us extremely well. Working with him in the chamber choir for Holst's 'The Planets' was an absolute pleasure. As a conductor, he had this sense of leadership which commanded everyone's attention and respect. His face was one of the most memorable at RCM because he would talk to anyone and everyone, always with kindness. I'm glad I got the chance to meet him and my thoughts are with his friends and family at this deeply sad time. May he rest in peace ❤xxx
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2020-06-19 23:50:20 View / Comment (0)
Laura Tătulescu
Dear Chris, I will never forget the kindness you showed me when I first arrived in Munich, or the day we went looking for Halloween costumes together for a party we were going to that evening. I will never forget how much love and energy you gave us on stage every night, how encouraging you were, how positive you were, how you ALWAYS had something good to say. You gave so much light to everyone around you. Now you are spreading your light in Heaven. I will miss you so much.
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2020-06-19 22:22:52 View / Comment (0)
Emma Edwards
I didn't know Chris very well, but I have this one particular memory of him from when I was walking down one of the corridors at college and he was walking in the opposite direction. He said hi and gave me a massive smile. At that point, I don't think we had really talked before so I was surprised, but it genuinely made my day. That little interaction cheered me up so much, and I remember walking away thinking that we should all be a little more like him. He had that sort of personality where it felt like the sun was shining out of him, which might sound a little overly poetic in other cases, but with him there is really no other way to describe it. Even just looking at the other photos on here, you can see it. He was wonderful and kind and he will be truly, dearly, missed. To his family and friends, I am so sorry. I hope all these memories bring you even a small amount of consolation that he will always be in the hearts of so many people.
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2020-06-19 20:41:40 View / Comment (0)Cindy Cheng
Symphony Fantastic offstage team! It’s my first time working with Chris. I’ll always remember your warm smile and passion. Thank you giving me such a good memory!
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2020-06-19 19:56:03 View / Comment (0)Vicky Richmond
This was the post-concert seflie taken after the Chinese New Year Concert at the RCM in January this year. Afterwards we all went to the Muyang Hot Pot in Goldhawk Road and had a lovely chinese meal and sang along to K-Pop that was being played on the TV screen there. Although I didn't know Chris very well, I remember how great it was to be around him as a musician and a person. He was so approachable, kind and talented and made me feel at home and welcomed in any project I took part in. He would always take an interest in any questions I had with the pieces we were playing and he'd always say hi to me when he saw me. A very special person taken far too soon. Rest in peace Chris - we love you!
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2020-06-19 19:53:29 View / Comment (0)Heledd Gwynant
Chris’ passion and enthusiasm towards music and life was inspiring. He was the kindest friend with the most contagious smile. He would always be so welcoming to everyone around him even people he didn’t know that well. I feel like I’d known Chris for years when we’d speak although we hadn’t been friends for that long. I remember the room feeling brighter when Chris would walk in and to think that brightness he brought with him will never enter into our lives again is heartbreaking. I’m super glad to have known a man as kind and as positive as Chris. Rest in peace, Chris. You will be missed by so so so many people
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2020-06-19 19:52:32 View / Comment (0)
Rebecca Whitehouse
I remember my first placement on Cor, I had quite a few big solos and I was a nervous wreck. Arriving for rehearsals I met Chris for the first time - I signed in after him and of course he enthusiastically smiled and said hi - I think his overwhelming friendliness will resonate with anyone who knew him. Chris had a way of making everyone in his rehearsals feel at ease, his pure enjoyment and love of the music was a reassuring reminder of why we play. Every time it came to an exposed moment of the music for me, he caught my eye and smiled. His constant positivity for life and enthusiasm was contagious, and I along with many others will be forever grateful for how he kept our nerves at bay and our passion for music afloat in rehearsals and concerts. An absolute ray of sunshine, we’ll miss you Chris x
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2020-06-19 19:44:27 View / Comment (0)
James Cobb
I realised how much of a positive influence Christopher had on people during my first year. The SU Christmas Concert was fast approaching and Chris was leading the rehearsals. At that time I was struggling at home and at college and finding it hard to remain positive. Although I did not take part in the concert, I left the rehearsals I attended with an overwhelming sense of calm during a time when that emotion was fleeting. Chris was truly a special man and someone who’s reassuring and positive influence in that dark time I will always be grateful for. Rest In Peace xxx
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2020-06-19 19:22:54 View / Comment (0)V Chavarría
We snapped this selfie at the end of conducting auditions in 2018, back when we were allowed to observe. The selfie is really a pretext for the background, which is the panel of three old men in conference. Chris was a serious musician, but he had this cheeky sense of humour that made him a brilliant colleague. Some of our best times together were spent in rehearsals, offering caustic commentary on any number of subjects. He instituted our weekly office hour, which consisted of caffeine, diaries, and gossip. He also taught me to use the Senior Common Room with impunity. Because of the way College was set up, we didn’t spend as much time together outside of class as we would’ve liked, something I regret. But he was an amazing musician, and he had the measure of me as much as I did of him. Perhaps most importantly, he challenged the cynicism that runs deep in our profession by proving that you CAN be a good, kind human AND a good conductor and musician. And he did this with a smile and kind word. No matter how hard a day he might’ve had, he always had an ear and a smile, and he made time for you. That is so rare these days. We’ll miss you, mate. I’ll miss you. Over and out. -V
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2020-06-19 17:26:51 View / Comment (0)
Annabel Kennedy
I met up with Chris a lot, we did a few projects together, we had many cuppas and glasses of wine. He was always so supportive and encouraging of my singing, but also of the work I did in the SU. I don’t have any specific memory or story of him even though we spent a lot of time together. I just have this overwhelming feeling of warmth and love for Chris and didn’t realise what a big impact he had on my time at college until now. I’ll miss our chats and his smile. And his incredible musical gift, which was going to truly take him far - a rare talent. When he messaged me on my birthday this year he said “You are fabulous, unique and highly treasured. Stay as you are”. I would say the exact same back to you and more. Rest in peace xxxx
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2020-06-19 16:59:35 View / Comment (0)Joel Wilson
We were midway through a concert in my second year at RCM, when I completely and totally ruined an entry! Christopher was conducting, and looking up in shock he barely kept on conducting with one hand. With the other he barely stifled a laugh and I was feeling so embarrassed! About a minute later, between movements, we locked eyes and he gave me a wink, smiled, and then mouthed the word 'whoops!'. After the concert, we were all in the bar and I went over to apologise for the mistake; he just turned to me, gave me a hug, and thanked me for 'keeping me on his toes'! It was a genuine pleasure to know and work with you, such a kind heart, you spread joy and love to all xxx
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Shoshanah Sievers
Shoshanah Sievers
I wasn’t fortunate enough to have known Chris well, but having seen how everyone close to him has been so open to all memories and words, I wanted to share my thoughts over the past few days as an example of the impact of Chris’ presence on someone, however briefly they were with him. I think such an impact is testament to everything which makes this so shocking, and which characterises each memory I hold of him; as someone with an irresistible commitment to bringing people and musicians together, such as when he chose to spend his lunchbreak getting to know me at our very start of RCM; as someone with limitless drive and zealousness, so that when I think of him conducting, with all his passion and intensity, I remember how it made me strive to find more for the music, wanting to do better; and as someone whose evocations in a rehearsal, now over two years ago, have stayed with me to this day, when his effortless capturing of Rodrigo’s opening to ‘Sones en la Giralda’ as orange blossom flowers faded in the heat, left me with a lasting impression of his singular sense of life and his art. And therefore, although I can’t express the injustice that there is so much left undone, I am incredibly grateful to have witnessed even the minutest part of all that Chris created both as a musician and friend. So sending my deepest thoughts and care for his family and all those close to him, since knowing my loss and disbelief when I only wish I could have known Chris better, I cannot imagine what they must be going through, keeping alive the memory of someone truly irreplaceable.
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