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Guestbook
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Carla Wood - In Loving Memory!
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| Date: | 2005-11-18 | | Name: | Maria Muller | | Email: | mariamuller14 @ yahoo DOT co DOT uk | | Message: | I knew of CJ only through her work ... and when I read about her passing... I felt a deep loss for someone who had made a great difference to all of us who found guidance and a valuable resource in "Classical Singer" .
Happy Continuation Carla ... you are missed .... ( Maria Muller - Mezzo Soprano London, England ) |
| Date: | 2005-11-12 | | Name: | John Jennings, Dramatic Tenor | | Email: | heldentjrj @ cs DOT com | | Message: | I can remember phone conversations with CJ as I was beginning my career in New York and especially how she helped me and ran audition info. as I founded Opera in the Heights, Houston. What a funny, delightful, and wonderful person and singer she was! I never met her face to face, but her love for music, singers, and opera could reach right through a telephone, email, fax, etc. Thank you, Carla - you have helped so many! Your life here was a great blessing to us.
I will never forget you,
John Jennings
Dramatic Tenor
Founder of Opera in the Heights |
| Date: | 2005-11-04 | | Name: | Arden Anderson Broecking and Robert Puleo | | Email: | Crystalopera @ aol DOT com | | Message: | What a great loss to all of us. With deepest sympathy and warm thoughts from the board and administration of Crystal Opera Consortium, Inc., in Norwalk, Connecticut.
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| Date: | 2005-11-03 | | Name: | Jean-Ronald LaFond | | Email: | Jean-RonaldLaFond @ comcast DOT net | | Message: | CJ's passing was a personal lost. Oddly enough we only knew eachother online. CJ was a valued member of Goonlore, a group of international artists who discuss singing issues. Her insightful comments have been missed, and her incredibly positive nature shone brightly even through cyberspace. My deepest regret is that we never got to meet face to face. I wanted to write this quite a while ago, but All Soul's Day seemed appropriate.
Thank you CJ for your inspired time with us.
Jean-Ronald LaFond |
| Date: | 2005-10-06 | | Name: | Karen Hughes | | Email: | khughes @ borough DOT park-ridge DOT nj DOT us | | Message: | As a former employee of the New York Opera Newsletter, you can imagine my joy at seeing Carla's face on the cover of a glossy magazine on the rack at the Met Gift Shop! I was ecstatic until I read the article headline and found out why she was on the cover. My prayers are with Dave and the kids (who are now adults - where does the time go?). I am so impressed with the magazine and the website. What a long ways from the sunroom and attic in Maplewood!! The internet is the perfect medium for Carla's dreams of networking singers. And the convention - my goodness! She always could dream big, and she and Dave always found a way to make those dreams come to pass. That she had such a great career just thrills me. She'll have an even bigger career in heaven, with no pain or illness, praise God! May we all honor her legacy by following her example of love, generosity, and joie de vivre. |
| Date: | 2005-10-02 | | Name: | Shirley Ostler | | Email: | shirleyo01 @ msn DOT com | | Message: | Thank you all so much for your wonderful tributes to Carla. How much she loved her subscribers, and her colleagues in the classical singer field. That her love was returned I am sure is delighting her, as she is now getting acquainted with what she referred to, in the two months of her illness, as her next great adventure. Bless you all for your love, and may that great Prince of Peace bringpeace to you as well. Carla's mother |
| Date: | 2005-09-30 | | Name: | Andrea Powe | | Email: | atpowe @ aol DOT com | | Message: | Dear Lindsey and family,
Eventhough I never met CJ personally I feel profoundly effected by her generousity of spirit and everyhing she did for singers through Classical Singer magazine. The world is definitely a better place because she passed it's way!!!!-And the music world will owe her an eternal debt.(don't worry she'll be richly paid)- God bless you all. |
| Date: | 2005-09-28 | | Name: | Daniela Amini | | Email: | daniela575 @ rcn DOT com | | Message: | I never had the pleasure of meeting Carla in person, but she profoundly affected my life in a way I will never forget. She was not only one of the first to give me "a chance" when I was starting out, but she also did it with so much kindness, generosity and genuine encouragement that it made you feel like you could do anything. I just know that the world lost a truly great and rare individual. I definitely learned something important from her example as have so many others. My heart goes out to her family and friends. |
| Date: | 2005-09-19 | | Name: | Sue Neimoyer | | Email: | neimoyer @ msu DOT edu | | Message: | In addition to being my distant cousin and former college roommate, Carla was an esteemed colleague, a great musician and a dear friend. We had lost touch then ran into one another at a church function when she was in Seattle singing Rosina (in Barber of Seville) with Seattle Opera. I will forever cherish the few weeks we had to reconnect and renew our friendship. We had hoped to do some vocal-composition collaboration, and I was in the process of writing a piece for her when I heard of her passing. No matter who ends up doing the piece (provided I have the heart to finish it), I will always hear her voice singing it. My heartfelt condolences go out to her more immediate family, who I know will miss her greatly. Sue Neimoyer, Assistant Prof. of Musicology, Michigan State University |
| Date: | 2005-09-19 | | Name: | Ann Baltz | | Email: | ann DOT baltz @ operaworks DOT com | | Message: | What a loss -- professionally, musically, spiritually. Now, when an idea occurs to me and I have the impulse to write to Carla, it's a very odd feeling to realize I can't.
The other day, I found the premiere issue of the New York Opera Newsletter. Having just been a part of the 2005 CS Convention, it was wonderful to see what can happen when one follows their dream.
Great job, Carla. Really great job.
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| Date: | 2005-09-13 | | Name: | Richard Liszt | | Email: | ZTenor @ hotmail DOT com | | Message: | Carla and I studied at one time with the same voice teacher in So. Calif and it was there that I got to know Carla. She and I sang a several things together and had a mutual appreciation of each others voice. It was evident from the start that her love for music and for her family carried her along in this life. She loved to sing and she radiated when she did! It was a joy to sing with her, and also to know her as a collegue and a friend. She will be missed, not only by those whose lives she's touched, but also by the musical community that so became her life! God Bless You Carla, and my heart goes out to David and their children.
Love, Richard Liszt |
| Date: | 2005-09-05 | | Name: | Hanne Ladefoged-Dollase | | Email: | ladedoll @ aol DOT com | | Message: | My deepest sympathies go to your loved ones who have to find their new path without you.
May we all work a little harder, be a little less afraid of sharing and love a little more in the memory of the amazing Carla Wood.
You will be our inspiration.
Thank you.
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| Date: | 2005-09-05 | | Name: | Jacqueline Pimienta | | Email: | Jred1993 @ aol DOT com | | Message: | It is hard to lose those you love, but more so when they were such giving people who leave such an indelible mark upon the world as CJ did. My prayers and thoughts are with her family, friends and all of the Classical Singer staff. Peace, light and evolution to your soul, CJ. God bless and keep you. |
| Date: | 2005-08-30 | | Name: | Wendy Reynolds | | Email: | wendysings @ comcast DOT net | | Message: | "Labor of love" doesn't begin to describe CJ's contribution to the care and advancement of the people she loved - singers. My heart goes out to her family and friends - thank you all for continuing her legacy throughout this hard time. A most sincere toast of gratitude, love, and support to you all, and to CJ. |
| Date: | 2005-08-25 | | Name: | Michelle Pretto | | Email: | mlpretto @ hotmail DOT com | | Message: | My few interactions with this lovely woman were all at the first annual classical singer convention. Most notably, she didn't even know me and yet, she offered me a cracker and a joke all within the span of an elevator ride. It's no coincidence that the elevator was headed up at the time. My regards and deepest sympathies go out to her family who must miss her so. "Weep not, she's resting in the arms of Jesus"
Love to all,
Michelle |
| Date: | 2005-08-24 | | Name: | Robert | | Email: | rcopera @ optonline DOT net | | Message: | I spoke with Carla on a couple occassions via e-mail and one of m letters to her was even posted in CS. I found to be a kind, caring, polite person and my deepest sympathies to her family and those close to her. |
| Date: | 2005-08-19 | | Name: | Gretchen Johnson | | Email: | gnjhnson @ concentric DOT net | | Message: | My deepest sympathies to Carla's family and friends. Our paths never crossed until one summer at Wesley Balk's workshop in St. Paul. What a beautiful voice! She was a wonderful singer and with her husband, performed a great service to the entire classical singer community by starting the newsletter and expanding it to the exceptional tool it has become. It's a sad loss and I mourn her passing. Gretchen Johnson |
| Date: | 2005-08-15 | | Name: | Nathan Granner | | Email: | ngranner @ aol DOT com | | Message: | Please extend my deepest sympathies for the family and friends of "CJ."
She was always available, always congenial. I truly appreciate the vision she had with Calssical Singer Magazine and am happy that it is continuing, a legacy of a great person.
Thanks, CJ
nathan granner |
| Date: | 2005-08-14 | | Name: | Corinne Bach | | Email: | corinne @ corinnebach DOT com | | Message: | I am so sad to hear the news of Carla's passing. I was blessed to have had the opportunity to perform with her a few years ago as Barbarina (she was my Cherubino, of course!) in Le Nozze di Figaro in Tampa, Florida. She was the most spiritual, genuine, charismatic, encouraging fellow singer I've ever worked with. It is truly a loss to the singing community; she has inspired me and so many others to continue singing. I hope that for those who never met her will understand how truly wonderful she was. My love goes out to her family and everyone who knew her. (And I'll always remember her when I read Masaru Emoto's Hidden Messages in Water) |
| Date: | 2005-08-11 | | Name: | Sherie Helstien | | Email: | helkatz @ verizon DOT net | | Message: | I just went to peruse the CS website and found the sad news. My heartfelt condolences all of us, but especially to C.J.'s family.
I was at the 2nd CS Convention here in NYC, (my first) and had a lot of fun and found a lot of encouragement just listening to the speakers and singers. I was disappointed not to get to meet Ms. Wood there and saddened by the news relayed to the convention attendees regarding her illness.
I did not know Ms. Wood, but having purchased the magazine (as "The New York Opera Newsletter") from it's very inception in 1988, I have felt as if I knew her and had a kind of secret friend in her presence. One of her lessons to me: there are no excuses for not ferreting out a way or several ways to do what you love to do if you really want to sing.
Also, we singers need to remember another of her lessons regarding the kindness and respect that she held for her colleagues. I know I felt it. I think her expectation was that we behave in a like manner and carry that on in her memory. |
| Date: | 2005-08-10 | | Name: | Ralph David Medici | | Email: | rkondas @ aol DOT com | | Message: | My deepest condolences to you, and especially to my fellow singers for it is we who will miss her the most. She did so much for us, she taught us to network to advance our singing, her encouragement was invaluable through the years. I was one of the earliest subscribers, having subscribed when it first started out as "THe New York Opera Newsletter" and watched it grow to a national magazine under her guidance and love. She remembered us all--no one was more surprised than I when after a four-year hiatus from singing after a bad accident in 2000, I responded to an email she sent and she wrote back a personal response "Ralph! Where have you been! David and I have been talking wondering about you." I proceeded to tell her about my accident and that I was now in the process of trying to climb back into the music world but had to start all over to get back in vocal shape. She wrote me encouragement and advice and I was hoping to be able to meet her in person at the next Convention and now I see I never shall. Life is so short. But I will always remember you, CJ, as a mentor and will miss you sorely. No more emails will come from CJ Williamson. Her loss is ours and the loss of the whole opera world for she is one who truly loved her craft and all of its artists. Rest in peace, CJ. We miss and love you and will strive to continue what you started.
Ralph |
| Date: | 2005-08-09 | | Name: | Franz Stary | | Email: | mail @ fm-rocks DOT com | | Message: | Life moves too quickly. I give my condolences to CJ Williamson's family. She has given so much to us aspiring singers, we will miss you very much. |
| Date: | 2005-08-08 | | Name: | Nancy Heath | | Email: | musicdirector @ classprod DOT com | | Message: | I am deeply saddened to learn of Ms. Wood's passing. She, alone, has done more positive things for classical singers and the classical music community than any other person. I have long admired her dedication and her genuine concern for singers everywhere. Classical Productions intends to donate 25% of the box office proceeds from its competitions to the Carla Wood Scholarship Fund in her memory. |
| Date: | 2005-08-07 | | Name: | Alexandra Walker Kirby | | Email: | walkerkirby @ earthlink DOT net | | Message: | Without the work of CJ Williamson, I would not have a clue about the world of Opera. I am thankful for her vision and heart. I met her only briefly at the 1st Convention but she always had a smile and a warmth about her. To her family at home and at Classical Singer I send you warm thoughts and keep the vision clear. Most Sincerely, Alexandra Walker Kirby |
| Date: | 2005-08-06 | | Name: | Kristina B. Valcarce | | Email: | Kristina @ Valcarce DOT us | | Message: | The classical singing community simply would not be where it is today without CJ. She changed the landscape of our art when she started publishing this magazine. I am deeply saddened by her passing, but very grateful that she was here with us for the short time that she was. |
| Date: | 2005-08-04 | | Name: | Denise Freeland | | Email: | eco DOT voce @ verizon DOT net | | Message: | CJ was a wonder woman! When I first subscribed to the magazine about 15 years ago, I remember thinking how brilliant the idea and the magazine product were. Her generosity, vision, intelligence, and grace made her stand out in this profession. She has made a sigificant difference to thousands of us in the business. We'll miss you... |
| Date: | 2005-08-04 | | Name: | Christine Powers | | Email: | soprano @ nycap DOT rr DOT com | | Message: | Carla's dream for a convention for singers to come together became and reality for her, and it changed my life forever this year.
I am so grateful to her for her vision and ability to manifest her great gifts. I once spoke with her on the phone, I was second choice to be "followed for a year," and I remember how funny and kind she was.
I am so sorry for her family and the family in the greater world that she never knew she had. Or maybe she did. |
| Date: | 2005-08-04 | | Name: | Donna Oden-Parsons | | Email: | DonnaSop @ aol DOT com | | Message: | Mz. Wood=Thank you for caring about other singers. So few see them as family, preferring to see them only as competition. You raised the bar of compassion and consideration. Again, Thank YOU!
To the family: There really are no words to help ease the pain. I lost both my parents while in my 30's and the feeling of abandonment is very real. If you can, EMBRACE the pain. Know it as a heartprint of caring, love, compassion, tears, anger and joy--for it is all those things that give us the essence of someone we love and know we will miss...forever. Allow yourself time to grieve, for only through the grieving will you be allowed to move to the next place..that of memory, honoring her place beside you and inside your heart. Please, be kind to yourself on the day that you can no longer hear her voice in your head, for it DOES NOT MEAN you have forgotten her. It means she is allowing you to move forward and give her the place of honor in your memory. Be kind to yourselves.
With much respect, compassion & love,
Donna Oden-Parsons |
| Date: | 2005-08-04 | | Name: | susan morton | | Email: | susiqw @ myway DOT com | | Message: | Dear Carla-- we'll miss you. You always were a delightful person, with a wry sense of humor and a terrific coloratura! I'll always remember you fondly from the early days in New York in Joan's circle to the beginnings of Classical Singer!
May the wonderful things you started continue to grow and flourish and carry with them the memory of you.
My heartfelt sympathy to your family and to the larger family at CS.
Best,
SM |
| Date: | 2005-08-02 | | Name: | Arietha Lockhart | | Email: | ariethal @ hotmail DOT com | | Message: | I conversed via email alot but I only got to spend a little time with Ms. Wood in person at the first Classical Singer Convention. She awarded me the 2nd place prize in 2004 and gave me a hug. Thank you CJ for believing in me. I won’t forget you and I will honor your wishes for all singers in singing as much as I can, for as many as I can for as long as I can. God Bless you CJ. Rest is his care.
Love,
Arietha
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| Date: | 2005-08-02 | | Name: | Edward Pleasant | | Email: | pleasanteddie @ aol DOT com | | Message: | The birth of this newsletter coincides with my coming to New York. I want to than Ms. Wood for her realizing the lack of information for singers and doing something about it. Information is power and thanks to her efforts, we've all, through the newsletter and the community it forged, been empowered for success.
This is a lesson for us all. The see and to act! |
| Date: | 2005-08-01 | | Name: | Shirley Owens | | Email: | sdogenesis2 @ gmail DOT com | | Message: |
I would like to remember Carla Wood with a thank you for your dedication to the art of singing. For many many more years to come you have impacted my life as well as many others with your selfless giving to those of us developing our art form. Your contribution is an example of how we as singing artists should strive to be...
Thank you,
S. Owens
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| Date: | 2005-08-01 | | Name: | Ellen Denham | | Email: | edenham @ ameritech DOT net | | Message: | Though I only knew her through email, Carla was a wonderful, warm person with lots of energy and talent.
After I wrote one article for the magazine, she encouraged me to do a second article about Indianapolis Opera. Her encouragement meant a lot to me at a time when "professional writer" was something I was adding to the long list of things I do for a living.
I am glad I got to know her, however remotely and for however brief a time. She will be greatly missed. |
| Date: | 2005-07-28 | | Name: | Maryann Kyle | | Email: | maryann DOT kyle @ usm DOT edu | | Message: | A warm, bubbly and caring sould who will be missed greatly. Her mission to help singers succeed and be fulfilled should now be our daily mission. She will be greatly missed. |
| Date: | 2005-07-28 | | Name: | Lily Nehman | | Email: | LNehman @ aol DOT com | | Message: | It was in utter amazement that I read about the passing of Carla Wood! I had always thought of her as CJ Williamson. Carla has been an inspiration to all. She always answered any enquiry, and was gracious. |
| Date: | 2005-07-27 | | Name: | Martha Brewer | | Email: | martha @ oaparts DOT com | | Message: | I had no idea that Carla Wood was ill and I am stunned at her passing. I never met her and I only read her editorial messages, but I feel as if I knew her, if only a little bit. She was inspirational to a young singer that needed to constantly hear that we have to "make our own opportunities". My sympathy goes to her family. |
| Date: | 2005-07-26 | | Name: | Ronald Carter | | Email: | roncarter @ web DOT de | | Message: | I am sorry to hear about the passing of Carla Wood. She gave a lot to us all! She is missed.
WIth sincere Sympathy to her family.
Ronald Carter
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| Date: | 2005-07-26 | | Name: | Phoebe Flewelling | | Email: | PhoebSinger @ mymailstation DOT com | | Message: | C.J. made a difference....to her family....to her colleagues and to the World of Classical Singing.
I wish I had continued our E-mail conversation...............................
In deepest sympathy,
Phoebe Flewelling |
| Date: | 2005-07-25 | | Name: | Jennifer Bryant | | Email: | safmer @ cox DOT net | | Message: | It seems just like yesterday that she was judging our NATS district competition in Cedar City, UT. She was a generous women and great teacher and mentor for all of her accomplishments. |
| Date: | 2005-07-20 | | Name: | Diana Walters | | Email: | singit @ verizon DOT net | | Message: | I send condolences to David and the family of Carla. She was a warm person and a visionary in this singing world. |
| Date: | 2005-07-20 | | Name: | Erin Murphy | | Email: | emurphy33 @ gmail DOT com | | Message: | Words cannot express the loss this singer community feels - from the inception of the New York Opera Newsletter and its growth and transformation into Classical Singer, CJ has spearheaded a campaign to bring information from singers and others who have walked the steps to those just starting on their journey - and everyone in between. A great legacy for a great lady. You will be missed. |
| Date: | 2005-07-19 | | Name: | Iris Fairfax | | Email: | ikfair @ aol DOT com | | Message: | Oh, my goodness! I visited the site today to ask about the latest issue, and was SHOCKED to see that CJ passed away. She was such a great friend, colleague, adviser, champion, and inspiration to us. I had no idea that she was ill.
I send my deepest condolences to her family and to all of you who had the privilege of working with CJ. I thank her for all she has been to the worldwide community of singers for so many years. To say she will be missed is truly an understatement. |
| Date: | 2005-07-18 | | Name: | S.M.L. | | Email: | suzannev1 @ aol DOT com | | Message: | In a world where people often forget that making music is about passion, art, and love...CJ remembered. Although I never met her, I thank her for her kindness to me through the years via e-mail and for her dedication, passion, and love for singing. She made the world a better place - she gave of herself by helping others. For this, I will always be greatful! God Bless her family and all those that she touched. She will be greatly missed. |
| Date: | 2005-07-18 | | Name: | Mitchell Piper | | Email: | MPiper @ Intermezzopera DOT com | | Message: | Dear David, The entire staff at Intermezzo sends you and your family our deepest condolences. CJ was an inspiration to countless young singers. She was so gracious to me during the 2004 convention in Hartford. After that we emailed several times and she was always generous with her wisdom, knowledge, time and advice. Her memory will live on through those lives that she has touched. Much love, Mitch Piper |
| Date: | 2005-07-18 | | Name: | Dr. Ruth M. Christensen | | Email: | rcmezzo @ hotmail DOT com | | Message: | I am stunned and saddened by this news. Carla certainly handled her illness with grace and her typical wit and humor and warmth, and she leaves a great void behind. Her influence and personality and passion (not to mention her marvelous talent) will certainly be missed. She has been a mentor and friend, and I will pray that your family will be given love and peace during this difficult time. Much love to you all...Dr. Ruth M. Christensen, Asst. Prof. of Voice, Brigham Young University (Provo, UT)
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| Date: | 2005-07-18 | | Name: | Erik Johanson | | Email: | ejohans @ utnet DOT utoledo DOT edu | | Message: | Dear David, children, and staff,
I am so very sad for your loss and that of the world of the classical singer!
At a NATS convention several years ago, CS had set up a booth. I think CJ thought I was a little crazy when this short tenor walked up, over- enthusiastically expressing his joy and honor at meeting her and thanking her profusely for the publication which--had it been around when he was younger--might have made for a more successful career. She soon realized that I was sincere--not batty--and we corresponded occasionally.
I last saw CJ at the New Orleans NATS convention. We sat together at the recital of new song literature.
One of the cycles presented was a memorial to 9/11, which we both found very moving, especially CJ. I noticed that she had begun to cry softly, so I put an arm around her. After the cycle, she related her experience on the day, watching across the Hudon as events unfolded.
It was cathartic for me, as I had never met anyone who had seen the disaster live. I was fortunate to hear her tale, one from a compassionate human being and a remarkable artist.
All of us singers and teachers owe a great deal to CJ and CS.
Thank God for this fine person, her vision and determination!
My sincerest sympathy,
Erik Johanson
Associate Professor of Music
University of Toledo |
| Date: | 2005-07-17 | | Name: | Catherine Ireland | | Email: | ozy DOT diva @ verizon DOT net | | Message: | Although i had never met Ms. Wood, she had a great impact on my life.
I came from Australia 10 years ago and immediately started subscribing to Classical Singer. It gave me a feeling for the singing and auditioning environment that i had entered. Without this innovative and informative newsletter, i would not be singing with such great companies as San Diego, Los Angeles or Long Beach Opera, etc. Nor would i have the opportunity to work with singers such as Maestro Domingo, Carol Vaness, Ruth Anne Swenson or Ramon Vargas and enjoy the career i have.
From the bottom of my heart at this very sad time, i extend my sincerest sympathy to Ms. Woods husband, children, family and friends. How blessed you are to have known such a remarkable woman and i thank you for allowing her to do her very demanding job, so that we may all have a better opportunity to do ours. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Yeah! Lets keep singing. This ones for CJ.
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| Date: | 2005-07-17 | | Name: | Rhema Sterling, VP, Senior Artistic Representative | | Email: | Avavaartists @ aol DOT com | | Message: | On behalf of the Avava Artists Personal Representation Firm, we extend our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the Carla Wood Family and The Classical Singer Magazine Staff. We wish you both the most strength in your return to your duties and quest of continuing pursuit to truly help classical singers in the world. Whomever your force of strength may be, we wish the Late Carla Wood Family and Classical Singer Magazine Staff peace, and while traveling through this most turbulent time; we hope you unearth it. |
| Date: | 2005-07-16 | | Name: | Larry Johnson | | Email: | larjohsc @ bellsouth DOT net | | Message: | I had the honor of growing up with Carla and see her love for great music born. To all who knew, especially her family, I pass on my sympathies at her passing. |
| Date: | 2005-07-16 | | Name: | Cecelia Chaisson | | Email: | coloraturadiva @ hotmail DOT com | | Message: | My deepest sympathies to the Wood family. Carla is indeed in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior singing fabulously with a heavenly orchestra. Sending showers of blessing to us all.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. |
| Date: | 2005-07-16 | | Name: | Frances Fenton | | Email: | FFenton_pro @ yahoo DOT com | | Message: | Thank you, Carla (CJ) for your talent, wisdom, vision and generosity. You did so much for so many singers, and we will miss you and your sunny spirit. Because of your efforts, "United We Sing".
My deepest condolences to all family and friends.
Wishing all peace,
Frances
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| Date: | 2005-07-16 | | Name: | Christina Castillo | | Email: | CCdlGala @ aol DOT com | | Message: | I am now in Graz, Austria and I am utterly shocked. I am also frustrated that we lose so many wonderful people like Carla to cancer. My deepest condolence goes out to her family. |
| Date: | 2005-07-16 | | Name: | Cecilia Bailey Korcsog | | Email: | tsarbear @ aol DOT com | | Message: | It is a sad day for classical music and performers as well-we have lost a leader, a friend, a mentor, a jokester, a caring, dear woman.
May she be blessed as she rests in Paradise, and be at peace. |
| Date: | 2005-07-16 | | Name: | Tiffany Roberts | | Email: | trobertsbelcanto @ aol DOT com | | Message: | My prayers go out to the family and friends of Mrs. Wood.
I agree it is a sad day, and she will be missed. I never had the pleasure of meeting her in person but I am a fellow singer and subscriber to the magazine. I have loved being a part of the Classical Singer Community and found it to be very helpful to me and my career. From reading her editorials and seeing all the great work she put into the magazine, I know she must have been a remarkable person. I will miss her wonderful and helpful insight into the business.
As we continue her legacy, may she find peace and sing with the angels! |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | H Lockard | | Email: | mooshi5 @ hotmail DOT com | | Message: | It is a sad day. In this world it is so easy to just dismiss. We all know the name CJ williamson but to put a name, a history, a face with a name is so much more. I am sorry that she is no longer here with us. However, I think the best way to honor this most beautiful person it to never stop singing. Raise your voice, your collective voice in song. Just as CJ started something, this wonderful family, you start something with your voice. Learn that aria, send out that head shot, do something in regards to singing. I think CJ would have liked that. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Page Swift | | Email: | paginapdq @ earthlink DOT net | | Message: | I did not know Carla personally, but I feel I did. What wonderful, positive support for singers she accomplished and how sad I and others must feel that she has been taken from us. But her inspiration remains and lives in all of us who are the beneficiaries of Classical Singer. Please know that my heart goes out to all who knew and loved her. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Stephanie Cowell | | Email: | Stephanie_Cowell @ mdrc DOT org | | Message: | I am shocked and saddened by the loss of this woman who gave so much to singers. She started something extraordinary from her love. It is the rare singer who would do something like that, the rare person. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
Stephanie Cowell
New York City |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Cynthia Lawrence | | Email: | operafamily @ cynthialawrence DOT com | | Message: | I will miss you Carla. Unlike many people who never had the pleasure to meet with you or work with you, I have. You have always been generous, kind, determined and lovely woman I was fortunate enough to get to know. Thank you for your perserverance and vision. We will all miss you. Much love to your family.
Yours is a beautiful soul that will linger in all of us.
Cynthia Lawrence |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | MaryAnne Stanislaw | | Email: | MStanislaw21 @ aol DOT com | | Message: | For quite a few years now, I have subscribed to Classical Singer. On a couple of occasions, I contacted Carla about things that were important to my development as an artist. She got back to me right away with answers! In this busy world, she gave us a breath of fresh air, a place to feel safe, and often HOPE! She brought us together as a community, which is not a small feat. I have looked forward to my Classical Singer every month and I will continue to look forward to subscribing for years to come.
MaryAnne |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Daniel Gundlach | | Email: | countergundlach @ hotmail DOT com | | Message: | Carla was one of the visionaries in this business. I personally am in great debt to her for the support and various kindnesses she showed me, both as a singer and a writer and a friend.
In many ways, all professional classical singers in this country owe her a great deal.
She will be deeply and greatly missed. I send my sincerest sympathies to her family and to all who loved her.
Daniel |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Jen Woda | | Email: | wodathorn @ aol DOT com | | Message: | Thank you Carla/CJ for all your work on the behalf of classical singers, amateur and professional, young and mature. You will be sorely missed.
I have been a subscriber for over 6 years and I find the magazine an incredible resource.
Her legacy will live on in the work she has done for those in our field. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Wendy and Jeff | | Email: | w2fmindc @ panix DOT com | | Message: | We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Carla. We cherish our memories of seeing and hearing her with the Washington Concert Opera, NYCO, OONY, etc. We will always remember the fun times we spent with her and her family. We loved her spirit and zest for life. Our thoughts are with her family. Rest in Peace Carla; you will always reside in our hearts. With much Love, Wendy and Jeff |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Helen Fanelli | | Email: | chellen322 @ aol DOT com | | Message: | Dear Classical Singer Magazine and family of CJ Williamson/Caral Wood:
What a lovely women and artist I was priviledged to know via Classical Singer Magazine these more than 10 years that I was a subscriber. CJ was a very accessible editor and she made it very easy to contact her whenever a person needed their thoughts to be publisized or acknowledged regarding professional treatment issues of singers or just questions and prototcal regarding the "business" was concerned in general with the professional opera business. CJ was a true inspiration to us all!
I was very saddened today to hear about her passing. What a sad loss to such a sweet, caring person and classical artist. She will be sorely missed.
Sincerely, Helen Fanelli, AGMA Artist & Metropolitan Opera Chorus Member |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Lindsey Van de Kirk | | Email: | lindseyv @ juno DOT com | | Message: | Like many others who will sign this guestbook, I never met Carla. But one only has to look at her picture to see the joy she brought to life. She has had a tremendous impact upon singers around the world. We all thank you, Carla, and are grateful that you were part of all our lives. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | antonio rodrigues-pavao | | Email: | apavao @ wi DOT rr DOT com | | Message: | To Carla:
You truly left the world a better place than when you arrived. I am thankful that you lived.
Tony Pavao
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| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Jim & Inger Orr | | Email: | ISKOrr @ aol DOT com | | Message: | Thank you, Carla, for your contribution to our lives....you have always held a special place in our hearts....you will be missed by so many. Our love and sympathy to all the family....wish we could be there for the funeral....our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
With Love,
Jim, Inger and family |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Suzanne Draayer | | Email: | sdraayer @ winona DOT edu | | Message: | I was pleased to meet Carla at the 2004 NATS National Conference in New Orleans last year. Her incredible vision for singers and their vocal careers, and for Classical Singer magazine was truly inspired. Her intelligence, wit, and personality will long be remembered. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Shira Renee Thomas | | Email: | csundeevah @ yahoo DOT com | | Message: | Ms. Wood has provided an immeasurable amount of support and goodwill to all classical singers. Her loss will be felt by every single person in this profession. I have particularly gained an immense amount of knowledge and good faith because of Carla, her magazine, and her Classical Singer website. I am deeply saddened by her loss, and send my sincerest condolenses to her family. Let us all continue the journey that Carla started for us! |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Lynne Hayden-Findlay | | Email: | dntndiva @ aol DOT com | | Message: | I am shocked to read this sad, sad news. I had the pleasure of hearing Carla sing, once in Cenerentola, and again in Chekov Tales at Dicapo. She was one of the most grounded spiritual singers I had ever heard. We also shared numerous email conversations about the challenges women singers face as they enter the "m" stage of life. I will truly miss her. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Catherine Charlton | | Email: | sapeta @ nc DOT rr DOT com | | Message: | For many years I have enjoyed both the New York Opera Newsletter and Classical Singer Magazine. I have enjoyed watching the magazine grow and improve with every single issue. I encourage my students to subscribe, both to get useful information for audition purposes and for the loving support offered up for all singers in the numerous columns and features. I have grown to greatly admire and respect Ms. Woods for what seems to have been her boundless energy, her creativity, her deep love for classical singing and more importantly other singers. I have no doubt that she was equally talented in her other roles as performer, wife, and mother. I am surprised by my level of sadness at her loss as I am only a subscriber, but I know without question she has made an enormous contribution for the benefits of singers everywhere. I am sure she has a front row spot in the Angels Heavenly Chorus. My sincere sympathies to her family and close friends.
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| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Eric Rieger | | Email: | e_rieger @ hotmail DOT com | | Message: | I am deeply sadened by the passing of CJ Williamson/Carla Wood. I never had the pleasure of meeting this truly inspirational woman, but her writing and vision has consistently given me courage and endless positive energy, not to mention incredible artistic insight, which have helped me tremendously in my singing career...Thank you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and loved ones. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Sarah Bryan Miller | | Email: | sbmiller @ post-dispatch DOT com | | Message: | Carla was a good friend and, as editor of Classical Singer/Opera Newsletter, a good colleague. I will miss her, for her sense of humor, her careful work, and her innate humanity: one seldom meets anyone filled with so much love. Her death is a terrible loss to us all. Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her.
Bryan
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| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Laura Breaux | | Email: | LBMarie9 @ hotmail DOT com | | Message: | I never had the chance to personally meet CJ before I started working at CS, but I have read about and talked to many many people whose lives she has touched. I see how much her friends and family love her and see this amazing magazine that she has put together and know that she has to be an amazing women, mother, spouse, and friend. I have been touched as I have been able to see the results of her great example and genuine concern that she shared with people around the world. My prayers are with her family and friends. Remember that death is nothing more than a change of scenery. Perhaps one day I will tell her thank you in person. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Miki McCullough | | Email: | mikisoprano @ zoominternet DOT net | | Message: | Dear Carla,
Thank you for everything you have done for classical singers all over the world. You have changed the industry and changed our lives for the better. May your inspiration live forever.
Love,
Miki McCullough |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Mary Catherine George | | Email: | creativevoicenyc @ aol DOT com | | Message: | I am shocked at the passing of Carla. When we last spoke it was about the power of being in the moment which is truly how she lived and was with everyone she encountered. Loving, generous and sharing of herself and her love of singing, music and the voice. David, although, we never met... I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Carla was a truly blessed person. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Dayle Vander Sande | | Email: | dayle @ ureach DOT com | | Message: | David,
I remember Carla as a most exhuberant, jovial, energetic force in the New York scene whom I admired from the first meeting. May you and your family find eventual comfort in the knowledge that she touched more lives in her brief time on earth than most people could imagine in a century. May peace soon come. Mozart has his 4th lady -- one who has already given us singers a magic flute! Few leave behind such a rich and tangible legacy.
Dayle Vander Sande |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Adria Firestone | | Email: | adriafirestone @ yahoo DOT com | | Message: | CJ,
Are you enjoying your perch on a billowy cloud? Hope the harps are in tune. . .
Your wisdom, your spirit, your keen observation of everything enlivened and enriched the world of music.
Your compassion and generosity of spirit was an inspiration to everyone around you. You brought love instead of cutthroat competition to "show biz" -- no small feat. I miss you!
Dave, much comfort and love to your & yours.
Many blessings, Adria |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Arden Anderson-Broecking | | Email: | divasrtrd @ aol DOT com | | Message: | I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Carla Wood, our CJWilliamson. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting her, I had great admiration for the work she had done to help smooth the path of singers. She knew first-hand how hard that path can be, and the magazine she gave us is the best possible memorial to her. Her obvious love of our profession and her desire to encourage and teach were invaluable. My thoughts are with her family and all those who loved her. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | John Reinhardt | | Email: | giova @ wiscasset DOT net | | Message: | The world of the Classical singer and artist has lost a tremendous beacon of friendship and understanding for the young and older artist not to mention a true world class talent. I first met Carla in North Carolina when we did a Fledermaus together so long ago. I was a Frosh and she played Orlofsky with great dignity and humor. Her tremendous talent and love of music gave all of us a benchmark to reach. I enjoyed her friendship and will miss her greatly. My last contact with her was brief but truly Carla-like. She contacted a vocal doctor about my concern over a medicine I was taking. Her compassion and care never diminished through the years. My deep felt sympathies to David and her children. Thanks Carla. Not only were you a world class singer but also a world class human being. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Juliann Albaugh | | Email: | jalbaugh @ austin DOT rr DOT com | | Message: | I wish I had known Ms. Wood. She has remarkably touched and inspired my life through her courageous example and vision. May God comfort and bless her family and friends in this time. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Barbara Meister and David Bender | | Email: | davidsbender @ careerbridges DOT org | | Message: | On behalf of the Schuyler Foundation for Career Bridges we would like to add our condolences to her family and firends
We had the priviledge of knowing Carla and David during the first year of The New York Opera News Letter. We were so impressed with her enthusiasm, plans and commitment to helping young singers on the path to a successful career- a commitment we share.
She will be sorely missed. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Frank Haggard, Baritone | | Email: | admin @ frankhaggard DOT com | | Message: | Although I never met CJ personally, I feel that I got to know her through her publication. What a stunning legacy to leave behind. The contribution and impact she made during her brief sojourn here affirm that her energy and light will continue to live on and on. Many blessings of love & peace to her immediate and extended families. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Charles Abruzzo | | Email: | charlesabruzzo @ verizon DOT net | | Message: | I was a mere subscriber to Classical Singer Magazine who had also placed an ad on the website as a vocal coach. Through some brief correspondence, and without our having ever met, there was no question of her concern and interest in my activities and development. She had also looked over my entire personal website as well, and took the time to write to me about it. To this day, I have been quite taken and encouraged by this interest from someone I never met, and I am deeply moved by her loss. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Eden Casteel Simmons, soprano | | Email: | casteelsimmons @ yahoo DOT com | | Message: | Can any singer ever measure the wisdom and experience they found in the pages of the publication Carla Wood started?
Think of all the conversations that were sparked (even the arguments that led to new ideas), the plans that were generated, the dreams that were realized because of her generous impulse? Brava and thank you, Mrs. Wood, from this grateful Classical Singer. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Dennis and Connie Gleason Family | | Email: | dgleason10 @ MSN DOT com | | Message: | David, although it has been over 25 years since our paths crossed in Rowland Hgts. California, we remember well your great young Family. We also remember the passion and determination with which you both set off for New York to chase dreams. It appears dreams turned to reality. Carla has set off on another journey and though hearts are heavy you know this is but a painful brief separation. We have experienced this recently in our lives and know that the power of many sincere prayers, including ours, will lift you when there is greatest need. We would love to get baak in touch when the time is right. We are in Pleasant Grove, Utah |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Betsy Lee | | Email: | yb4bets @ hotmail DOT com | | Message: | I would also like to add my condolences and gratitude towards CJ and her family. Working for Classical Singer was really a blessing! Classical Singer Magazine is truly a labor of love inspired by CJ, herself, and it was an honor to be apart of such wonderful services provided by CJ and the entire community of Classical Singer! She will sorely be missed, but always remembered through the legacy she has left behind. May the spirit be with all those seeking comfort at this time. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Lisa Lockhart, Soprano | | Email: | OperaSop @ aol DOT com | | Message: | I cannot begin to express my thanks for all the work that CJ did to help singers like me. She gave us a home, a lifeline, in the challenging world of the struggling singer. What began as the New York Opera Newsletter has become the Classical Singer community, and has changed and helped the education and careers of countless grateful singers. God bless CJ! My prayers and warmest condolences to her family and friends. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | Cathy, Calvin and family | | Email: | ccwinward @ juno DOT com | | Message: | No one had the power to build others up as did Carla. Even in these last days she was positive and upbeat. When someone came in the room and asked how she was doing, she would work to get out the words, just peachy. Her suffering is over, but the emptiness in my heart is bottomless. Love you my little sister. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | IT Staff | | Email: | @ | | Message: | May you never cease in wonder, at how marvelous the opportunity.
May you never cease in love, for that which God provides.
--
May God bless those that suffer, by your own friendly smile. |
| Date: | 2005-07-15 | | Name: | John H. | | Email: | teksaport @ hotmail DOT com | | Message: | I will miss CJ. Although she has passed on, I will always remember her smile. She is a wonderful person who seemed to always have a warm greeting. My heart and prayers go out to her family who also share the kindness that CJ showed to all. "Until we meet again" |
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