It is we deep sadness that we mourn the death of Geoff Nuttall, first violinist and founder of the St. Lawrence String Quartet, who died on October 19 at the age of 56 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Geoff was an illuminating artist who lived life with passion and joy. He graced the DACAMERA stage many times over the last 20 years, his fiery and daring performances communicating the sense of discovery that fueled his love of music. DACAMERA audiences will remember his infectious reverence for Franz Josef Haydn, the electrifying performances he led of string quartets by John Adams, Osvaldo Golijov, Beethoven; the eloquent commitment he brought to our production, “Wartime Stories,” featuring music of Steve Reich and Olivier Messiaen.
“Geoff had an inner energy that was unique, an inspiration to all of us who knew him. Risk-taking was part of his DNA, he never played it safe; and his curiosity kept everything fresh. He held himself to the highest standards of perfection, yet was unerringly generous with others. It is heart-breaking to lose such a great musician and dear friend in the prime of his life. In this moment, the loss is unfathomable. Our hearts go out to his wife and young sons; and to his partners in the SLSQ, Owen, Lesley and Chris.”
— Sarah Rothenberg, Artistic Director
For information on The Geoff Nuttall Memorial Fund, please visit www.slsq.com.
Photo: Geoff Nuttall, left, with the St. Lawrence String Quartet on DACAMERA’s stage in 2014