Gaspare Chiarelli
August 24, 1932 - April 27, 2020
Tribute
Gaspare Chiarelli, MusBac, MM, ARCM, LRAM
Gaspare was born in Hamilton, Ontario to Gaetano and Emanuela (Agro) Chiarelli on August 24, 1932.
After graduation from the University of Toronto, he taught violin & directed choirs in Toronto & Hamilton, followed by two years in Rome studying at the Rome Conservatory and the Vatican Choir School.
In 1957 he moved to London, England, where his mentors included Cecil Aronowitz, Frederick Riddle and Sir Eugene Goossens. He spent 12 years in London as violist, playing principally with the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic & Sadlers Wells Opera orchestras. He also attended conducting master classes in Italy with Sir John Barbirolli and Carlo Zecchi, and he was a competitor in the Times of London conducting competition.
In North America, he played in the Cincinnati Symphony, and held conducting posts with the Hamilton (Ohio) Philharmonic, at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon and at Bloomsberg University in Pennsylvania.
Gaspare became Canada’s first full-time youth orchestra conductor in 1973 when all 3 Vancouver Youth Orchestras were put under his direction. In 1975 Gaspare returned to London, where conducted the world-premiere recording of Eugene Goossens’ “Divertissement for Orchestra.”
Gaspare and his wife Nancy established the Chiarelli Music Studios in North Vancouver in 1980, where he created the Joy of Music Performance Workshops. In 2002 Gaspare and Nancy moved to Abbotsford, where they performed and lectured for civic and private groups. Gaspare gave his last violin performance at the age of 82 shortly before being diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
He died on April 27 with his wife Nancy at his side.
“Peace, my heart, let the time for parting be sweet.
Let it not be a death but completeness.
Let love melt into memory and pain into songs.” (Tagore)
Condolences
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From: Jeff Riedlinger
Relation: Former Music Student
Mr. Chiarelli was the first person to instill in me an appreciation for music, and he taught me the importance of developing a strong musical work ethic. His being such a wonderful role model and educator greatly influenced the course of my life. He was a wonderful man and I will always remember him.
From: Don Thompson
Relation: Longtime friend
I met Gaspare more than three decades ago and, ironically, it was our mutual interest in computers that sparked our friendship. It was after that that I learned of his amazing skills and accomplishments as a musician. As an aspiring musician myself, I learned a lot from Gaspare. His unwavering support of my musical endeavours was a bright light in my life. I am so proud to have known Gaspare and called him my friend. We always had fun and shared a passion for music that will stay with me forever. His positive influence in my life is undeniable…I’ll miss you, my friend!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time, Nancy. Much love, Don and Rosemary.
From: Carmen Agro
Relation: Cousin
Gaspare was a dear cousin. It was my pleasure to get to know him 40 years ago when I moved to Vancouver from Hamilton, Ontario. My wife, Sandra, and I enjoyed getting together with Gaspare and Nancy and chatting about a wide variety of subjects – our shared Sicilian family history; his music career and appreciation for/love of classical music; our shared interest in travelling – particularly experiences in Rome and Sicily. Gaspare always presented an upbeat demeanor. I truly appreciated his supportive presence in my life.
Sandra and I were saddened to learn of Gaspare’s passing. Our hearts go out to Nancy in this difficult time.
Carmelo and Sandra Agro
From: Donna Woodward-Stadtmueller
Relation: FRIEND, WHO THINKS THIS A STUPID WEBSITE
Darling Nancy, we go back 54 years, roommates, hopeful music students at CCM of UC.Graduates. I went to Europedd, „Gotta sing, gotta sing“ you went for a Masters. And when I came back you German from the Pa. had met a lovely, interesting, witty talented violinist and conductor musician., a charmer with a wicked twinkle in his eyes. Whom I thought the perfect match. After all, when you braided you hair and put it around you head, you looked the perfect patrician Italian Lady. Match made in heaven , I thought. It was. Years in London, New York, Italy, Germany, Canada with your own double studio. A dream life as musicians and as a pair. You were perfect for each other, kind and intellectually well-matched. You were always strong, but your life with Gaspare has made you stronger, and tho you must carry on without him, you have so much to stand on, you will manage well. With Love and Virtual hugs Donna Woodward-Stadtmueller
From: Nancy Chiarelli
Relation: Wife
My dearest husband Gaspare,
Our life of over 50 years together included several musical careers in many cities in 3 different countries. We supported each other through times of difficulty and we shared times of great joy. I celebrate and am thankful for every minute.
Without your physical presence, even though it’s been just over a year since you died, it still feels as if a large part of me is missing. I know this is not really true — I am complete and whole the way I am, as are you; nevertheless you remain part of my being.
During the last few years of your life I watched you gradually let all feelings of desire and discontent drop away. You relaxed into and enjoyed each moment of “now”, and you told me many times how grateful you were that the two of us could enjoy being together in our home.
You were patient and gracious. You ensured that our last years of marriage were full of peace and love, as was the very moment of your passing. I remain in awe and admiration of your way of being. You showed me how one’s final years could be lived with dignity and acceptance.
I am ever grateful for that precious gift; I can never thank you enough.
My prayers, blessings and love remain with you always.
Nancy
From: Cheryl Karchut
Relation: Music theory student of Nancy.
So sorry to hear of Gaspare’s passing. Please know you have our deepest sympathy. Ryan and I only met Gaspare a few times when we used to come to our wonderful music theory lessons with you but from the other condolences it is obvious he was a person of considerable talent, patience, knowledge and kindness, just as you are. You complemented each other perfectly. Our heartfelt condolences.
The Karchut’s
From: Earon Kavanagh, PhD
Relation: Longtime friend, violin student, and co-learner in NeuroLinguistic Programming and more....
A Salute to My Friend Gaspare, “The Maestro”
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