Sad news: BBC orchestra mourns its leader, 48
RIPLaura Samuel, Leader of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra since 2012, has died at the age of 48.
London-born, she was co-founder of the Belcea Quartet and played in it for 16 years before joining the BBC. She played the ex ‘Nissel’ Stradivarius of 1731.
Although she had suffered a prolonged illness, the orchestra is in shock at her passing. The say: ‘This is an incredibly difficult day for all who admired and loved her. Everyone at the BBC SSO sends their deepest sympathies to Laura’s family at this time.’
Here she is discussing her work during the first Covid lockdown.
UPDATE: Corinne Belcea writes:
‘We are heartbroken to hear about the untimely death of our wonderful colleague and friend Laura Samuel.
Our quartet’s birth 30 years ago would not have been possible without her enthusiasm and hard work, her innate talent and musicianship, friendship and kindness. The most generous person I know, always placing the needs of others ahead of her own, Laura was the driving force behind our group. We grew up together as musicians during the first 16 years of our existence as a quartet and her musicality, intelligence, warmth, generosity of spirit, love of music and fun, both on and off stage will be our guiding light for the rest of our days.
‘Rest in peace dear Laura, the angels are lucky to enjoy your beautiful playing and amazing cooking now.’
Pekka Kuusisto writes:
This is Laura Samuel as I remember her.
Radiant and genuine, determined to spread light and such glorious sound. A smiling monarch of the fiddle with a folk musician’s instincts.
Thank you for the warmth and the mischief.
I join countless colleagues in sending waves of support to Laura’s family and her beloved BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. She was a star.
Patricia Kopatchinskaja writes: Laura Samuel was one of those magical and very special people that you rarely meet in life and never forget. Her warmth and cordiality, her confident yet loving leadership. And generosity in every sense. Even in a fleeting, chance encounter, after she found out I was looking for a rehearsing location in London, she immediately offered me to stay at her place without any hesitation. Just like that. That humanity will stay with me forever, and her smile. With great sadness – in the hope of a paradise up there.
May angels waft you to your rest.
Much love for Laura. Sympathy to all who mourn this huge loss. A fine musician and the kindest of people.
This really is absolutely dreadful news. You couldn’t wish to meet a nicer person and an excellent fiddle player. I’m very shocked as she was always so full of life and smiles. Completely genuine, warm and friendly. A very sad day indeed! Condolences to all her friends and family.
What very sad news- I knew Laura quite well from both Guildhall School of Music & Tunbridge Wells Competition of which she won in 1996- from memory. A very talented violinist taken far too young- a great loss for both the BBCSSO & the wider music community. Was she not also a member of the outstanding Belcea Quartet for several years?
Oh that’s awful news. A very nice and talented person. A sad loss.
Very sad news for Laura’s family and extended musical family here in Scotland, she really was one of the loveliest people on our music scene
What a moving interview of a wonderful person who’s outgoing nature reminds me of Nannie Jamieson, my famous generous & very Scottish viola teacher at the Guildhall School from 1960 to whom I owe my career in Lausanne.
My deepest sympathy at Laura ´s untimely passing.
A terrible loss. There were no lovelier people than she in the world of classical music.
So young.
RIP
A wonderful person. So sad. We shared so many wonderful concerts together
Such sad news. I met her several times when she played concerts with my mother. She was such a lovely person full of life, fun and music. She will be greatly misses as a musician and as a person.
LAURA SAMUEL was a fine musician and a delightful human being. Her cheerful disposition and gentle sense of humour impressed me from the very first time I encountered her at the RCM when she was a shy new student. She leaves a huge gap in our musical landscape; she will be sorely missed by all who knew her, but never forgotten. RIP, dear Laura. xx