In Memoriam

Throughout the time Meistersingers has been in existence we have been reminded of the short time we truly have together.

Many believe that we continue singing with the angel choirs of heaven while some believe our time is finite and we strive make as much beauty as we can while here. others believe something different.

What we all believe is that the following people made our concerts, our songs, our choir, and our lives more beautiful.

We miss them and will keep their memories in all that we do.

Barbara Worsley – Accompanist, Board Member, Donor, and Alto II from 2001-2021

From Brian Dehn to the Meistersingers Family:

These words have taken me a few days to write. I simply could not find the right words. I still can't. Our dear friend Barbara Worsley passed away last week. I let all those currently in Meistersingers know last week. I wanted to let everyone know sooner but I couldn't start, then I couldn't stop. Then, nothing I wrote was worthy. Sorry to those that are hearing late. As I was told by friends, just get something out...as Barbara would say "it'll be right for the moment".

In nearly every way she was the best musical partner I had the honor to work with. She was a consummate musician (studied with Madame K at USC), a supportive and inspiring partner, a critical ear and mind, and a kind and gentle soul. For twenty years she was not just my accompanist and collaborator, but my friend. She was loyal - always there through the good times and bad. I bounced concert ideas off her, she helped me choose Meistersingers members and soloists, she helped run the group, she and Bill donated to the group, she helped with emails, with other donors, program notes, and much more. She played, for free, for us for 20 years. She would not take payment and instead donated above that. That amount of generosity is rare.

But while all of this is wonderful and rare, in the past days I have come to realize what she meant to me beyond all those things. It was the way she played. And it wasn't just the gentle and nuanced phrases, the sensitive rubato, the brilliant voicing - it is what that playing really showed. It showed her soul. Hearing beauty is common. Hearing excellence is relatively easy. Hearing someone's soul is what I will miss. How many people can make Rutter sound like Duparc, Lauridsen go from floating to profound? I could hear her support in how she accompanied. I could her who she was when she played. Like her, it was honest. Like in life, she knew when to support and when to take over. She respected every piece of music and was always about the art, me as a person, and us as a choir.

Only behind my own mother and wife, Barbara was my main champion. She was critical when she needed to be but was never harsh. She never left my side when many others did. She knew what truth, honor and loyalty meant. She told me when my ideas made no sense but was always supportive when I tried them anyway. She had faith in me and what the group stood for. She treated every piece of music with respect and every person with respect. This is what a good musician, a good person, is.

Barbara Worsley - for me you always will be the greatest. As Dave said, you cannot be replaced. I will never try. What I will do is strive that this organization, and my own growth as a musician, will never stop. I will never cease to try and create a place where beauty, love and trust can be among everyone. I commit to making your soul live on in all I do musically and professionally. As long as we sing, as long as I am blessed to conduct, you will be present in the music. Thank you.

Jack E. Middleton – Bass and Board Member 2000-2018

One of our original members and a founding board member, Jack brought joy and kindness into any room he entered. The power of his booming bass voice was only exceeded by his loving heart. He was fiercely loyal and a genuinely thoughtful human being. He loved his singing family at St. Wilfred’s, MenAlive, and Meistersingers. His voice will be missed, his hugs will be missed and as Brian says…. We trust he is singing “Jack Loud” in heaven!

Craig Mitchell – 2008-2010 – Bass

Craig was with us for just 2 short years but sang well and was a dedicated member. We always felt bad because he felt like he needed to bring a book to rehearsal! He didn’t but wanted to! 😊 His humor was always on display and he was a fantastic musician and person. He will be missed.