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Composer and violinist Michael John Galasso passed away at his home in Paris, France, on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009. He was 60. Funeral services were held Friday, Sept. 11, at Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. A memorial Mass will be held at St. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9. Galasso is perhaps best known for his theatre and film scores including Hong Kong director Wong Kar-Wei's "In the Mood for Love" and French director Martin Provost's "Seraphine," for which he received a Cesar for best music in a film from the L' Academie des Arts et Techniques du Cinema (February 2009). His film score for Spanish directors Gemma Cubero and Celeste Carrasco's "Ella Es El Matador" is currently airing on PBS nationwide. A frequent collaborator with theatre director/artist Robert Wilson, Galasso composed scores for more than a dozen Wilson productions including: "A Letter for Queen Victoria" (nominated for a Tony in 1975); "Les Fables de La Fontaine" for the Comédie-Française in Paris (2004) and at Lincoln Center (New York, 2007); Strindberg's "A Dreamplay" (1998), voted best foreign theater production for the 1999-2000 season by the French Theater and Music Critics Society; "Quartett" (starring Isabelle Huppert and presented in Paris, Berlin, Milan, Athens and Geneva, (US premier in November, 2009 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Next Wave Festival). Also noteworthy are his numerous sound/music installations, including the Giorgio Armani Retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in 2000 (the first sound installation in the New York Guggenheim's history) and subsequently at the Guggenheim Bilbao, Spain, in 2001. He has scored for choreographers Lucinda Childs, Karole Armitage and Andy DeGroat. Galasso performed concerts extensively as a soloist and with his ensembles throughout the world. His latest solo concert at the Spoleto Festival in Italy (July, 2008) was described by the New York Times as a "a tour de force of stamina and harmonic invention." He was first violinist with numerous orchestras including the Santa Fe Opera and the New Orleans Philharmonic. Galasso recorded two albums for ECM Records, "Scenes" (1983) and "High Lines" (2005). His works are published in the United States through ASCAP and in France through SACEM. Born in Hammond in 1949, he was the son of the late Dr. Michael A. Galasso (former LSU professor of music and Concertmaster of the Baton Rouge Symphony) and Michaela Galasso Williams (former principal oboist with the Baton Rouge Symphony) and currently director for more than 40 years of the Montessori Children's House here in Baton Rouge. Michael John began violin study with his father at age 3 and his solo debut was at age 11 when he played Vivaldi's Concerto in A minor with the New Orleans Philharmonic followed shortly by a performance of Bach's Double Concerto with his father in Hammond. Galasso also studied at Oberlin and Dartmouth colleges. He is survived by his wife, Laura Revelli Beaumont; daughter, Catherine; mother, Michaela; sister, Marianne; and brothers, Paul, David and Mark. His daughter, Catherine, a choreographer and dancer, will also be presenting a work in her father's honor on Oct. 9, in New York City. A foundation to continue the performance of his music is being established by his daughter. For further information please contact a member of the family.
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Yesterday I picked up Michael's 'Scenes' CD at Twist & Shout in Denver. I think: it's about time!
I attended Michael's concert at Merkin Concert Hall (NYC) in 1985 and bought the record album. All those years gone without his music (I finally got a CD player).
Michael was a brilliant and astonishing talent and a great loss to the world of music. He made our lives richer. He left us far too soon. I have 'Scenes' to remember him by. It's like hearing a prayer.
My sympathies to his family from Tova Klein.
Tova Klein
March 12, 2010
I have just learnt of the passing of Michael Galasso. I live in Australia and first came to hear his music with the movie "In the mood for love" As a professional 'cellist I adored the score. I even tried to buy it but without success, sadly. I shall try again. He was too young to die, will be missed. All my sincere symphaty.
Annie Strong, Sydney.
annie strong
February 6, 2010
To the Galasso family:
I have strong memories of listening to the music coming out of the house on Magnolia Woods when I was quite young. Michael & his talents will be missed by the world. Our prayers are raised to heaven during this difficult time.
Wishing you all peace & solace,
Laura Middleton Trachtenberg
September 30, 2009
To Mickey and her wonderful children, we will have you on our minds and in our hearts during this difficult time. We send love and prayers.
Teen and Bobby Siener
September 29, 2009
To the Galasso family-My deepest sympathy on Mike's passing on. I attended Southeastern Lab School in Hammond, LA-the elementary years-with Mike and I remember other family members, as well. He was a special spirit and my prayers are with you all. Cheryl Albin Berry
September 27, 2009
David, I'm so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. An extremely talented young man he was...indeed he will be remembered and missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with all.
Becky Cangelosi
September 23, 2009
Dear Galasso Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. My husband, John, and I attended Lee High with Mike. He was a great guy. We knew he was talented even then. John and I are so impressed by all of his accomplishments. I seem to remember babysitting for some of you younger siblings. We pray that you will be comforted by the Lord and trust that Mike is playing his beautiful music in heaven now.
With fondness,
Patti Mayeux Campbell
September 22, 2009
To all the Galassos,
Our deepest sympathies are with all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lois Kuyper- and Steve Rushing
Steve and Lois Kuyper Rushing
September 22, 2009
The Galasso Family, such long, dear and faithful life long friends, who have always been there for us. I so wish I could be there for you now. I know the loss of your son and brother, Michael, is deep. He was amazingly talented (like his father), such a kind heart and still very young. Michael leaves a legacy that transcends the finiteness of this world; the gift of his music; loved by many. I celebrate the gift of his life and grieve his passing with you, as you once shared the lives and passings of my dear brother and father. Those who love you, stand with you at this time. Much love to all.
Kathleen "Puddy" Robinson
September 22, 2009
Dear Marianne, Rick, and boys:
My deepest condolences for your loss. Please know I'll be praying for you and your family.
Beth Altazan-Dixon
September 21, 2009
I am so sorry to hear that we have lost Mike. My prayers are with you always. What a wonderful contribution Mike made to the world of art.
Cherie Scriber
September 21, 2009
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing - I remember his tremendous talent, but also his funny and sweet personality - My deepest sympathies to his family.
Florrie Hathorn
September 21, 2009
DAVID,
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Pat Hudson Hayden
September 21, 2009
I have followed Michael's career and was in awe of his talent. My thoughts and prayers go to the entire family.
David Kors
September 21, 2009
David and family,
Jim and I were so sorry to learn of the loss of your brother. God will comfort you in this time of sorrow. You and all of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Lana Kiker
September 21, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was a wonderful person and a great violinist. He and I had many shared memories in high school. My prayers go to his entire family.
All best wishes,
Larry Timm,
Professor of Oboe
California State University
Fullerton, Ca 92834
Larry Timm
September 21, 2009
Michael John was my best friend, Marianne's oldest brother when we were growing up and he always seemed bigger than life. I remember hearing him practice the violin and I was in awe of his talent. Dr. Galasso had named me their "red-headed step-child", so I felt like a small part of the family. I was so very proud of Michael John's success in winning the Cesar. I feel certain that the heavens welcomed yet another amazing violinist. My heartfelt sympathy to Marianne, her Mom and brothers, his wife and daughter and all those who cared for him.
Amy Lawler
September 20, 2009
I remember years ago watching Mike and his father practice the Bach Double Concerto in their living room. I treasure that memory and pray that Mike's legacy will comfort you in the weeks, months and years to come.
With love,
Linda
Linda Robinson
September 20, 2009
To the Galasso family, Please accept our condolences. Our hearts break for you right now. We pray that you will find comfort and peace soon and know that Michael will live on through his beautiful, inspired music.
With love, the Bourgeois Family and the Poche Family - Lee High School 1980, 1981 and 1982
Monique Poche
September 20, 2009
Mike was one of my best friends growing up in Baton Rouge. My prayers are offered for the family.
Greg Black
September 20, 2009
David, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. My love and prayers go out to you and your family. May God hold you in the palm of his hands.
Tamra Blum
September 20, 2009
David, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am sorry for your loss.
Stephanie Carter Boudreaux (LHS '73)
September 20, 2009
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