Thanking Paula!It was with great fondness, a few tears, and many hugs that we said thank you to our lead violinist, Paula Muldoon. Paula performed her final concert with Cambridge Philharmonic last Saturday at West Road Concert Hall.
An orchestra is only the sum of its parts, and Paula’s enthusiasm, wit, meticulous talent and joy for performing will be missed by us all.
Following the rehearsal Paula was presented with gifts including some beautiful plants for her garden (amongst many talents she is also a keen gardener!). Our Chair Mark Goodridge shared thanks and fond memories and former music Director Timothy Redmond sent a very fitting tribute to Paula, kindly read by orchestra member Rachel Dunlop.
Tim’s words. Written below, are a true reflection of our regard for Paula’s talent as a musician, a leader but also echo the close community we share and enjoy within our orchestral community.
Thank you Paula, you will be missed.
‘Paula, this is the briefest of brief notes in which to thank you for so many years of fabulous music-making at Cambridge Phil. As I write, I am thinking of countless concerts we did together, and the feeling of joy and chamber music writ large that encapsulated the experience.
There’s a clip of our Rach 2 that pops up from time to time in which the whole string section is moving effortlessly, seamlessly and spectacularly flexibly as they follow your every movement.
The world class music-making that you have brought to your role of leader of the Cambridge Phil has been as transformative as it has been inspiring.
The wish to give back to the world of non-professional music-making the very best of your professional experience is something that we will all remember gratefully, and I include myself in the long list of people who have benefited from your guidance and musicianship.
But I should warn you: as one who has left the Phil relatively recently – you may have stood down from your position, but I promise you, the Cambridge Phil never leaves you. May your memories of your time with us be as happy as mine are.’ Tim Redmond, 2005.
