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David Robinson: Tributes from Friends & Family

David Robinson 2/4/1924-7/9/2006

The 2006 season was dedicated to the memory of David Robinson, our beloved Festival co-founder, who devoted his time and effort to the Skaneateles Festival for more than twenty-five years. He opened his heart and home to musicians and audiences alike, enriching countless lives with his generosity, warmth and humor.

Attending the Skaneateles Festival has always involved more than buying a ticket and listening to beautiful music.

For hundreds of fans, it has meant belonging to a family.

The music has taken many of us listeners and musicians to a different level because of the strong personal, family-like connections. It is what has made the Skaneateles Festival unique among the world's best music festivals.

And so, as this season begins, some might wonder what it will be like with the empty chair at the head of the table & what will it feel like without the "father" of the Festival? Can the tradition go on without the head of the family?

And the answer is simple.

The Festival will never be without David Robinson.

It is during the month of August, under the stars and to the sounds of chamber music, that we will all most easily find David. It is where we will always feel him and know him best.

During rehearsals on the porch, we will remember him coming out of the garden, arms full of vegetables for the evening meal.

During intermissions at the church, we will remember him moving the piano in one of his oldest Skaneateles Festival t-shirts; and during the standing ovations, we will remember his giant applause.

It is in the music itself that we will find him most, with his broad shoulders and enthusiastic smile. As we listen, we will be able to envision him delivering festival signs all over town, talking with musicians on the porch at Brook Farm, welcoming visitors with a smile and sitting down just long enough to enjoy a feast made by Louise.

With the sounds of the chamber orchestra as our backdrop, we will hear his big baritone voice telling jokes at board meetings, singing to children at the Children's Fair or KidsFest, and exclaiming with unabashed praise and enthusiasm over a recent concert.

The Festival is what it is, in very large part, because of David and Louise Robinson.

For those who never had the opportunity to know David, and for those who just want to remember, we will share some stories throughout this program.

But if you really want to know David Robinson, close your eyes and feel the music, the moment and the joy.

- dedication from the 2006 Festival program book

We have so many fabulous memories of David Robinson, ones that will stay with us forever. When we first arrived at Brook Farm to begin interviewing for the position of Artistic Director, David Robinson (as Louise always addressed him when there was more than one David in the room!) greeted us at the door with the famous twinkle in his eye and immediately made us feel like we belonged at SkanFest. From then on, our first season as Directors was filled with wonderful encounters with the Robinson family.

We remember David giving us the tour of his famous garden, gleefully describing the various methods he had for doing battle with all the small creatures that felt they were entitled to his produce. He loaded us up with a huge basket from the garden, and for the first two weeks at the Festival our stomachs were filled with his carefully tended fresh fruit and vegetables.

He provided our souls with nourishment also. He would listen to the rehearsals at Brook Farm (whether it was quietly from the hallway while we worked in the living room or from a chair placed front and center near the musicians), and seeing the joy and contentment that the music brought him was all the reason we needed to feel good about our chosen profession. And then there were Saturdays: a flurry of phone calls back and forth between our rental house and Brook Farm, with David R. intently reporting each hour on the forecast and the prognosis for an outdoor concert that evening. He relished his role as liaison to the local weatherman and all-around host extraordinaire at Brook Farm. And what a host he was! From setting the stage for the rehearsal, lowering the awnings, moving the piano and sound equipment, trimming the bushes so the audience would have a good view, and all the other things he did to make the concerts happen successfully, he and Louise somehow managed to make hosting a concert for 400 people seem like an intimate and simple event. We'll never know their secret to making it look so easy.

One final memory: sponsor Alan Byer Volvo had provided a fantastic sporty red brand new Volvo to be placed at the entrance to concerts. David put himself in charge of driving it from Brook Farm (where it had been placed for an earlier concert) over to our season finale at the Skaneateles High School. With no plates on it, he took off up the driveway (with Louise following behind, in case he got pulled over) and roared down the road, just like a teenager who had just gotten his license. He chuckled as he bragged about the car's acceleration and how he was just waiting for the cops to stop him!

David, though you've sped down this last highway a little too fast for us to catch up, you will live in our hearts forever. And though we miss you greatly, we know you are looking down on SkanFest and enjoying every single note and phrase along with us. This is your legacy, and we are honored to carry it forward.

-Elinor Freer and David Ying, Co-Artistic Directors

I learned to live my life through the music of David's life. For that I will always be blessed.

-Bill Hecht

David Robinson IS the Skaneateles Festival. There has been no one more dedicated to the music, the musicians, and the spirit of the Festival as he. The sight of Dave carrying music stands to a concert locale at the break of day and long after the sun has set is an image of the man I simply cannot shake. He so loved the Festival that he was willing to disregard the time of day in order to get something accomplished for it. That he and his lovely wife Louise made their own home available to musicians to sleep, eat, and practice there would have been ample proof of that dedication. But it went so much farther and deeper than that. I have seen him remain calm and totally in control in the midst of a sudden crisis. I have heard his spot-on assessment of an artist's performance of Mozart as well as the music itself.

In fact, I still "see" and "hear" that wonderful man, and happily assume that strange ability and privilege will never leave me.

-Peter Bay, conductor

In 1999 I applied for the job of Artistic Director with what probably was an overabundance of zeal: a 26-page proposal. David Robinson met me at the airport when I arrived for my interview by the Festival's search committee. "I read your proposal last night," he said as we strolled along the corridor; then he paused, twinkled in my direction and added, "I was exhausted!" That was just one of David's many gifts, an ability to put an anxious stranger at ease in an instant. His other gifts- as baritone, narrator, stage manager, piano mover, board member, gardener, psychiatrist and grandfather, were invaluable in the Festival's development and growth. More than one musician confided to me that they thought of David and Louise as an extra set of loving parents. It's a fantasy I can easily understand. David's calm, direct, no-nonsense seriousness was often a great comfort to me and many other high-strung musicians. But that seriousness was immediately thrown over the side when there were children in sight, which is when his playfulness really came to the fore, whether he was playing with his own grandkids or hamming it up for a KidsFest audience. I know that I'm a lucky woman for having known him, and Skaneateles was a lucky town to have had him.

-Diane Walsh, Former Artistic Director 2000-2004

I am David Robinson's niece, Dale, Claire Shaw's daughter. This is the last email I sent to Uncle David, it is heartfelt and accurate.

Dear Uncle David,

It has been wonderful having you as an uncle. It was always very exciting to be getting a visit from my mother's "handsome brother David." Our childhood was punctuated with many of those visits from you, your lovely wife and your wonderful and talented children, most importantly my very special favorite cousin, Peggy. (Remember the Christmas in Huron South Dakota when all seven cousins were sick with the flu simultaneously?) Our summers were spent with heavenly abandon on and in Lake Skaneateles. You and Aunt Louise were always kind, gentle and supportive of me and my sisters. I can imagine we were not a totally easy bunch but we felt cherished and we thrived in your attention. Campfire songs, corn roasts and water sports were the order of the day!

As we got older the generosity only increased! Intellectual discussions were always forthcoming, we were fed delicious food, much of it grown by you in your garden, lovely artwork to look at and a warm and inviting house was shared. (Mint Juleps on the veranda.) How many of us got married at Brook Farm? Music from family and friends became a thrilling addition and family reunions at Brook Farm were regular events. At Brook Farm we came to show off the latest additions to our family and watch babies learn to swim and bask in the warmth of summer.

I am grateful most of all to you and your beautiful and gracious wife, your sweet children who carry on your generous spirit and thirst for knowledge, intellectual curiosity and sense of humor, and your beautiful, quirky and athletic grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

With much, much love, your niece,
Dale

David always added joy to the dinners we hosted for the musicians and our supportive community. He shared my love of sweets and lit up when he had the chance to make his own sundae or construct an ice cream cone with lots of sprinkles. It was always a special occasion when David and Louise were present.

-Patti Carey

It would be impossible to think of the Skaneateles Festival without thinking of David and Louise. It is an image of peace and love, of humor and tranquility. The death of David has left a gap that cannot be filled nor should it be. He was a unique individual, always an ever-present, supportive strength who put the crazy world of music into clear perspective with his quiet manner and gentle humor.

Mary and I wish to give him thanks for the gift of peace he gave us summer after summer. He will not be forgotten by anyone who experienced this friendship.

In deep sadness,
Mary and David Zinman (conductor)

Baritone laughter
sweet music rings memories
Joyful summer jokes

-Judy Bryant

For me Dave was half the soul of the Skaneateles Festival. On Friday night, he would sing Copland or Ives. On Saturday morning, he would be moving chairs, pianos, hammering together stage extensions, whatever it took to put a 35-piece orchestra rehearsal on his front porch. Saturday afternoon he'd mow the lawn. By midnight Saturday, he'd be in stitches from the jokes the musicians told following the concert. He had the gift of fully participating in whatever he did.

Of course, Louise is the other half of the Festival's soul. And she has the same gift... what a gift it has been to know them.

-Bob Weirich, Former Music Director 1990-1999

The kindness and generosity that David and his entire family extended to our family was as remarkable as it was unforgettable. Although we spent only one week a year in Skaneateles, David and Louise's friendship was felt by several generations of Kannen's and Lambros's- from their willingness to take us into their home year after year (even with a curious young boy who always really, really wanted to ride the tractor-mower), to the eye-popping, drool-producing vegetable picking excursions in David's magical garden, to the friendship that recently sprouted between David and Louise and Maria's parents in Montana. We were fortunate to enjoy many summers of fantastic music making and good friends at the Skaneateles Festival, but it was always the prospect of seeing "the Robinsons" that we looked forward to the most. It is hard to believe that a man of such vitality and strength is gone, but the memory of his broad smile and deep voice will be with us always. We are grateful to have known such a remarkable man.

-Michael Kannen, Maria Lambros and Daniel Kannen

David Robinson, the heart and soul of the Skaneateles Festival, was a man who embodied the kind of human qualities to which we all should aspire: a strong inner core of conviction, honesty and decency, a generosity of both the material and the spirit, the humility of an immensely talented gentleman, and the humor of an earthen soul. He left us in the same way he lived his life: with dignity, a sense of humor and a great appreciation and love for his large family and circle of friends.

One thing is for sure - I am a better person, father and violinist for having known Dave for 22 years.

Dave, wherever you are, thanks for being here.

-Andres Cardenes

We will always remember David Robinson's quiet dignity, love for music and gracious hospitality. We had the pleasure and privilege of staying at Brook Farm three times. In the living room and on the porch, with its spectacular view of the lake, we enjoyed many conversations about music, politics and life. He had a great way with children; we remember his narrating at a children's concert. More important to us, he and Louise made our son Julian feel completely at home. They seemed to form the spiritual core of the Festival; though it is hard to imagine the Festival without him, we also know that this wonderful coming-together of musicians and public in a gorgeous setting will be an enduring part of David's legacy. He will leave a gap in the community, and in the hearts of all the musicians who were fortunate enough to come into contact with him.

-Eugene Drucker and Roberta Cooper

In June 1990 Louise and Dave were guests at my wedding. It was held outdoors surrounded by trees, flowers and shrubs. During the ceremony Dave, always the bird watcher, became aware of and recognized the bird songs that were coming from the trees. Knowing how I love to sing, after the ceremony he presented me with a list of all the birds that had sung at my wedding. How thoughtful. How Dave.

-Audrey Fletcher

Thinking of Dave Robinson brings smiles, for the welcome he gave, for his enthusiasm, for his tirelessness in doing zillions of things that needed doing during the Festival, for his positive, generous spirit. Now his smile comes back into memory, and his laugh, his thoughtful responses and his jokes. We are grateful to have shared his planet, and we give thanks for Louise and Dave's hospitality and for many happy hours spent in the company of their family. In addition to everything else, they have peopled the earth with generations of mighty fine folks.

-John Steinmetz and Kazi Pitelka

David became such a wonderful presence in so many of our lives through the Festival. Without knowing it perhaps, he became a mentor and role model for so many of us. All of us were made to feel part of a musical family at Brook Farm by David and Louise's wonderful welcome. Although David's passing has left a hole in all of our hearts, his life, and the way he lived it, is a tremendous source of strength and inspiration. David was a man who completely inhabited his life, and lived it with uncompromising simplicity, directness, and gusto. His sense of connection to others was remarkable--and his insight and empathy were a gift to all who came into contact with him. He will be so greatly missed, and our thoughts go out to Louise and all the family, who shared him with such amazing generosity....

-Steve Doane

For Louise, in celebration of your family

Each Saturday evening, once the Brook Farm concerts were under way and all was well, one could see the silhouettes of two people walking hand in hand around the perimeter of the audience. It was usually dark, or at least dusk. In the first year I didnt always notice, but later I came to know the silhouettes. It was Louise and Dave. It was their time. It must have been wonderful to share all they had. How many of us absorbed their ways during our weeks there! Seeing them walk together in that most peaceful and private moment that they created; I enjoyed even knowing that it could happen.

One more time, thank you.

-Pamela Frame

A life so well lived
A man so well loved
He made us all
reach higher,
smile wider,
love deeper.

-Lori Ruhlman

Although I have only known David Robinson since 1998, the impression he left was a strong one. Most of all, I was so impressed by his patriarchal skills. Through more than 60 years of marriage with Louise, David helped to raise and develop a beautiful family. All the while, he gave not only to his family, but to his community and therefore to everyone around him. I will always remember him as a virile septuagenarian with an illuminating smile, constantly tinkering on the grounds of Brook Farm, always ready to lend a helping hand, serving as a model of what a man should be.

-Andrew Russo, pianist

With his customary sly humor, Dave told me they had new construction on the property when I visited the last week in April. Seated at the kitchen table, I was a bit slow on the uptake - wondering if this was down by the water - but when he offered a hint, I could see out the window the side of the barn. I knew he was talking about a new birdhouse. I said, "I see it has electrical service." Dave's eyes twinkled and he smiled broadly as Louise reached for the remote control and pointed at the little TV on top of the refrigerator. On came the image of the inside of the birdhouse, seen from the top, looking down to where - with luck - a bird would nest soon. We want to watch them hatch, Louise said. Well, I said, I hope the word is out in the bird community: new house available, must be willing to give up privacy. While a couple of chickadees already had inspected the property, none had moved in yet. And even if none did, the lesson was still clear: See an opportunity and hope. Try and you may be rewarded. The more you try, the more you will have to experience and to share.

What a gift. What a statement of optimism. What a reaffirmation of life, a reminder of the potential, not only for some lucky bird family but for the rest of us as well. The joy of spring is in the promise of rebirth and renewal, the daffodils that bloom, the birds that return, the nests they create, the prospect of a summer's warmth and August's music and conviviality and community. Enjoy it, all of it, every day. Keep on the sunny side. Dave did.

-George Bain

David Robinson brought so much joy to the world. Especially touching in the excellent article by Mike McAndrews (The Post-Standard, July 10) about David Robinson's death is the mental image created: Hilary Hahn's playing Bach solos in private concerts for him during his last days. Our community has lost a treasure.

We will see him in our minds forever working with the musicians, singing, talking to the guests at the Festival and moving furniture. It is tragic that he won't be with us anymore. Fortunately, the glorious Skaneateles Festival will -- a living legacy to this wonderful person.

In October 2003, when David and Louise Robinson were honored with the Citizens of the Year Award by the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce, I wrote congratulating them.

David, in his usual kind fashion, wrote to thank me: "The evening of the Chamber of Commerce Award turned out to be a delightful celebration of music, the community and 'family.' I think everyone had a genuine good time. I know we did. Perhaps it was especially welcome because there seems to be so little to celebrate on the current world scene."

Thank you, David Robinson, for giving us so much joy, despite the world scene.

-Karen DeCrow (in a Letter to the Editor, Syracuse Post-Standard)

On Sunday afternoon, July 9th, 2006, the valiant heart of David Robinson finally stopped beating. Everywhere this was felt. That day, at North Carolina's Brevard Music Center was the premiere of a concerto for percussion and orchestra, called "The Healer." I happened to be sitting with a long time Festival friend, violinist Andres Cardenes, and we had been talking about David when the concert began. The composer spoke from the stage about his association with music as a healing force; his concerto would revolve around the African log drum and the heartbeat rhythm.

Early into the music I found myself thinking - I wish David could be hearing this! The orchestra's percussion instruments created a pulse that ebbed and flowed, and finally slowed. I could hardly breathe, knowing those notes represented the dying heartbeats of our friend. Beside me, Andres was experiencing similar emotions; while the audience erupted into prolonged applause, we were too stunned to speak. I stumbled away and found the composer. I told him about our moving experience; that every one of his notes had represented the heartbeats of our friend. His own eyes flowing with tears, he seemed moved and gratified by our experience.

When I got home there was a message on my machine, verifying that David had died earlier that afternoon. To add to the chills, when I reached my daughter Katie later that evening, before I said anything, she said "David Robinson died." She just knew; such is the connectedness of minds and hearts so truly linked with the threads of life.

Nothing I could add to the tributes deserved by David Robinson, with his incomparable character, personality, and skills, could come up to par. His is surely a living legacy. Team Louise and David has contributed in innumerable ways to the pleasures and richness of our lives throughout these years of the music Festival and more: His vital presence will continue through this remarkable family.

Bill joins me in heartfelt gratitude to both David and Louise for providing the steady pulse of the best years of our lives!

-Gwen Birchenough

One spring morning when our son Warren was in fourth or fifth grade, he and I went over to the Robinsons' with several bags of ramps (wild onions) in the car. We, with Louise, were going to plant them in their woods. When we arrived we learned that David had just fallen off a ladder in their kitchen while adjusting the woodstove pipe, and hurt his back. He had potatoes that needed to be planted immediately, and it was David's intention that Warren, with David's careful oversight, would do that. Oh my gosh, I thought, can this little boy plant David's valuable potatoes? We all went out to the garden, and Warren and David (hobbling) worked their way along the rows, and Warren followed instructions carefully, and they got it done. The work that Warren did with David over the years on Skaneateles Festival jobs from moving signs, chairs, and music stands to earning the "honor" of lying under the piano to disassemble and assemble it when it is moved in and out of the living room at Brook Farm have taught Warren the pleasure of serving in a can-do-right-now way that he will carry with him through his life. David Robinson was the epitome of that cheerful serving spirit.

-Chris Lego