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In memoriam Richard Bradshaw
by Giacomo Cataldo
It was during a performance at the theatre that largely owes its existence to him that I first came to learn of his passing, some time ago now. This is not so much a true 'In memoriam', but rather more of a little tribute, a necessary act of respect to a man who achieved so much and can only inspire admiration because of it. I never had the honour of knowing him, but his life's work cannot help but touch the whole of the musical world, not only on a local level but across today's internationalized arts world. Those who succeed as maestro Richard Bradshaw did in realizing the goals they set before them, and thus enrich the world, earn the right to be honoured. It is a great loss to the artistic world, for his passion was the fuel on which the operatic art form thrived in the city of Toronto and beyond.
During his leadership of the Canadian Opera Company, he raised the standard of musicianship to a new level. The company's repertoire expanded to include works by Janacek and Richard Strauss, new commisions, as well as the landmark first ever performance in Canada of the complete Ring Cycle that helped inaugurate the new opera house.
His work went far beyond that of simply a conductor. Richard Bradshaw was the driving force behind the enormous task of making the Four Seasons Centre a reality. He tirelessly waged the campaign to have a proper operatic venue and home, comparable to what any great city would sport, built for the company he headed in Toronto. He knew that to achieve this goal, he could hold no scruples in speaking out in no uncertain terms to those who held sway, and in the end he prevailed.
In a society where far too few give the power of art its merest due, he fearlessly stood out as a champion for its cause, never hesitating to cry shame to the heavens when officialdom stood in its way. The likes of Wagner and Berlioz would have been proud. At the close of the 20th century and the dawn of 21st, there was no one more prominent in the arts in Canada. It was always with relish that one saw or heard him in interviews expounding on these issues in his inimitable style. He made his voice heard, and it shall be missed.
Bravo maestro! In brick and mortar, but moreso in the sacred fire of the art that shall burn on within that frame, your legacy shall become legend to inspire those that come after.
To read the rest of this article, please visit the author's link In memoriam Richard Bradshaw
Giacomo Cataldo - © 2008
The views and opinions in this blog post are those of its author.
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