Cancer claims a cherished violinist, 56
RIPA month ago, friends posted a fundraising site to help the young family of Chas Wetherbee who was undergoing cancer treatment. Chas was concertmaster of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, first violinist of the Carpe Diem String Quartet, and principal second violin of the National Symphony Orchestra.
The site had raised $193,000 up to last night, when Chas sadly succumbed to the disease.
His wife Karina writes:
I write this through tears, but wrapped in all the love we have been feeling over the last weeks and months…
Chas composed his final note last night, with so so many loved ones nearby. I know now, that his life’s work was a symphony, of the most grand and sweeping and lyrical beauty, and each note of that music was made up of all the millions of interactions he had with every person–all of you–who entered his life, the testament of which I’ve seen played out in all the beautiful comments I’ve read in these pages and elsewhere. That’s what we are, in the end, parts of each others compositions, all connected, all playing notes in each other’s songs… which is something we can all learn from how Chas lived his life.
There will be many celebrations of his, some quiet with family, some public with all of you, but rest-assured, music will be involved, as we honor this spectacular soul, my life-long love, and all he gave to the world.
The Takacs Quartet write: We are full of sadness this morning as we mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague Chas Wetherbee. We will do our best to celebrate his life and to honor his memory tonight at the CU College of Music in tonight’s program. May his memory be a blessing.
Ed, Harumi, Richard, András
He was a first class musician and a lovely man. He was greatly loved here in Columbus from his years as Concert Master of the Columbus Symphony. Chas performed here last fall with the Carpe Diem string quartet. He was ill, and still champ.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4Qr4mCfsxY
I knew Charles in his NSO days; he played the Spohr Gesangszene with me for a benefit concert a long time back, perhaps 1990s…fine musician and cherished colleague. Condolences to family and friends, may his name be for a
blessing…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4Qr4mCfsxY&t=31s
I played chamber music with Charles for a number of summers at the Roycroft Festival in Upstate East Aurora, NY. A beautiful musician and a kind, extraordinary human being. This is devastating news.
A great loss to music and humanity. Condolences to his wife Karina and children Tristan, Sebastian, and Tessa.
Chas was the consummate musician, always willing to lend his time and talent to others. As Concertmaster of the CSO the audience felt a connection with his warm smile and personality. Chas was such a wonderful role model to many younger student musicians. A huge loss, condolences to his family.
Very sad to hear about this. Just awful. Thoughts with his family and friends.
Cancer is wretched…and the suffering! Cruel doesn’t even cut it.