Michael Goodwin 1946-2012
Official statement by the Auburn Symphony Board of Directors on the passing of Maestro Michael Goodwin:
“The entire Auburn Symphony family is shocked and saddened by this devastating news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michael’s family and friends and all the musicians who have had the good fortune to work with him over the years. As we move forward, we will remember the one overriding principal that guided Michael’s work through his life: The music must live on.”
(Our KinderKonzert will be performed as scheduled at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, 11 February in the Placer High School Auditorium as we believe Michael would have wanted.)
My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of tremendous loss, grief and sadness.
Emil de Cou
Thank you, Emil.
This is truly a tragedy and I feel very fortunate to have met Michael. My son, Shayne Plunkett, had the privileged opportunity to work with Michael closely on a piece he wrote in high school. Michael was apprehensive in the beginning when Shayne first approached him, but he gave Shayne a chance to prove his devotion and ambition to write such a piece at his young age. Michael coached and guided Shayne into writing a professional quality piece, which afforded Shayne the opportunity to fulfill a dream. Michael believed in Shayne so much that he featured his song at the Auburn Symphony season opening concert a year ago. Shayne is currently attending his second year at Berklee College of Music in Boston and he is studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Film Scoring. With his composition classes, his conducting classes, his tonal harmony classes, and many more, Shayne thinks of Michael and his influences daily. We are all very thankful for the time and care that Michael gave Shayne. We send our regrets to his Symphony Family, his friends and his family. And although Shayne is 3,000 miles away, he sends his thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for sharing your remembrance of Michael, Shannon.
Michael, we will miss you – !
My thoughts are with you!
I wish you all strength to pull through this times and continue holding on to the music, faith and memories of the maestro.
Katya Kolesnikova, organist,
Auburn resident in 2005-2008
Thank you, Katya.
I was fortunate tomeet Michael many times . When I complimentated him, he always gave me his full attention and expressed his thanks , with hand over heart. I am “just” an Auburn symphony League member. I adored Michael as a true genius, but agreat man of humility and graciousness. My heart breaks over this tragedy. Dori Dralle
Thank you for your remembrances, Dori.
I only had the pleasure of meeting Michael a handful of times, and attended only two concerts, but was blown away by his talent (and his voice!). I’ll never forget how, when the audience started off-key during a particularly difficult piece of the Messiah Singalong, he stopped the musicians, turned to the audience with a grin and had everybody start over. He will be missed by those who knew him for many years, and those who knew him briefly alike.
Thank you for your remembrance, Krissi, and your lovely article in the Journal.
All the notes pass before me as Michael is conducting. It was a joy and privilege to have preformed under his expert guidance. So many memories, laughter, concerts with palm trees at sunset. The sounds of strings so serene. He will be missed.
Thank you, Brenda.
Michael Goodwin was a rare gem….conductor, teacher, mentor. He was a student of life and the world and a truly civilized human being. He made a profound and lasting contribution to this community and I consider myself privileged to have met him and to have experienced his gift of music which he so generously shared.
His presence will be sorely missed and he will be lovingly remembered….
Thank you for your kind words, Janet.
I am Willa Comstock’s daughter. Willa was connected with the Auburn Symphony for many years as a volunteer. I just learned of Michael Goodwin’s tragic passing and on behalf of my Mom, I offer heart felt condolenses to Michael’s sister and the Auburn Symphony musicians and volunteers. Mom was very grateful to Michael for what he brought to the Auburn Symphony, including all the excitement and laughter and for surprising her with a rousing Happy Birthday wish during the summer series when she turned 70. This is such a tragic loss. If she could, she would be there supporting you all.
Thank you so much for your remembrances and kind words, Pamela.
My sentiments were posted at the Auburn Journal page. I am just a member of the audience. But when I heard the news (which I did not get until tonight, Thursday, via email) I could not stop crying. Listening to the Symphony and watching him conduct were always highlights of my year.
Marilou, thank you so much for your kind words. We are still so shocked and saddened.
I attended the Messiah sing-along for the second time last year (December 2011) and it was such a joy to sing and enjoy the beautiful music that Michael Goodwin had carefully prepared. His British accent was a delight to hear, and his good humour brought smiles and laughter to many. While I only saw Michael at those two concerts, I will always remember him as a kindhearted gentle person who loved music and people. It was such a shock to hear the very sad news. His family and friends are in my prayers.
Thank you so much for your kind words.