September 26, 1926 – February 16, 2015
After a long, distinguished, and fruitful career in music, Sydney Humphreys has reached his final cadence. Born in Chilliwack, BC, Sydney was gentle, patient, and kind – loved by all who knew him. He maintained complete focus and attention to detail in everything he undertook from photography, to tailoring, to learning the latest electronics. He had a curious mind and a voracious appetite for continuous learning.
Sydney was a prodigious young violinist, winning a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London. It was there that he would eventually become a professor and a celebrated performer of chamber music.
He had a profound passion, commitment, and energy for his craft. For example, in 1970, Sydney performed the seemingly insurmountable task of playing all of Beethoven’s quartets and trios multiple times to celebrate the composer’s bicentenary. As an integral member of the Aeolian String Quartet, Bath Festival Orchestra with Yehudi Menuhin, Trio Victoria, Purcell String Quartet and Concert Master of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, he travelled the world to spread joy through music.
Upon the invitation of Robin Wood, Sydney returned to Canada in the 1970s to take a position as the Head of the Strings department at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, which he held for over thirty years. As a teacher, Sydney mentored his students to the full realization of their unique potential. As Jonathan Crow, a former student and now concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony said: “Many teachers can tell you how to play the violin, but few can help you to discover your own voice.” That was Sydney’s genius; that is his legacy.
“If music be the food of love, play on.” Sydney’s music plays on, literally and metaphorically, in his students around the world, in the hearts and minds of his loving family in Victoria; wife, Mary, son, Max/Carolyn, daughter, Atarah/Felipe and granddaughter Siena, and in all his friends who loved him.
Donations and many grateful thanks to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC (www.alzheimer.ca/bc) and to the excellent and caring staff of the Glengarry Hospital, Chandler Unit, of the Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation (www.gvef.org). Tribute concert date to be announced.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
40 Responses
Dear Mary –
Sydney was unflaggingly kind and generous to all (even young conductors)….. and had a terrific knack for delivering direct and always constructive criticism with a conciliatory twinkle….I remember his outstanding leadership and helpful guidance of the orchestra for Bartered Bride in 1978, when I too became his pupil. I loved him ever after, and always saw a happy smile and heard a good aside on meeting…..Yesterday I listened to the Aeolian’s recording with Stan McCartney of the Mozart Quintet. I know no finer performance, The humanity he brought to every interaction is for me the hallmark of greatness.
dear Mary,
having just recently heard about Sydney, I send you my deepest sympathy.
I still treasure the concert programme from 1956, when the Aeolian string quartet stayed in my parents home in Lincolnshire.
Despite being at the RAM for four years I did not meet Sydney again until 2010, when I met you both here in Oak Bay. How good it felt to meet fellow musicians, for that I am grateful to you both.
You will be in my prayers.
Ursula
Have just learned today of Sydney’s departure. I got to know him when he first arrived in London England around 1953. He would come along to our church and join in the youth club. I remember turning the music pages for him at a salon concert. I have very fond memories of his excellent qualities both as musician and man. As a firm believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Savior of the world. I pray that he may have entered fully into the gracious inheritance reserved for all who trust and obey the Lord Jesus.
After spending five years in Canada with my wife, we settled in Provence France where we have lived for forty-nine years
Dear Mary & Family,
Sad to hear of Mr Sydney Humphreys’ demise. I have always idolized him as a music/violin teacher and wanted Louella and Matthew to eventually have him as a teacher and they both did. He had a certain way of making us parents feel at ease and allowing our young musicians to take charge of their choice in musical careers. Prayers and condolences.
Tita
Dear Mary, Max, Atara and family: we were so sorry to hear of Sydney’s passing. He was part of our family for so many years and in so many ways that it is hard to believe he has gone. He literally transformed Louise’s life after she was diagnosed with scoliosis, and it was he who inspired her to work towards the professional career she now has. She has commented to me that Sydney was the kindest person she has ever known, a man who never said a harsh word to or about any one. The Alexander family are all so grateful for having known him and benefitted from his musicianship and humanity.
Dear Mary, Max, and Atarah,
I extend my heartfelt condolences to all of you and your families during this time.
It is difficult to put into words what Mr. Humphreys meant to me. He opened up a world of music to me and ultimately he inspired me to pursue music as a career. I remember that time fondly, all the new possibilities of creating music, of learning about colours and shapes. It was an exciting time for me to be discovering this new world! Lessons were full of stories about music, about life and about understanding myself — all connected to playing violin. It was such an impressionable time and going to lessons with Mr. Humphreys really fed my soul. I think back often to my lessons, scale classes, senior strings, master classes, teacher training, his stories and his expressions. I will hold these memories close to me forever. I feel so fortunate to have had his great influence in my life and to know that he touched so many people’s hearts, including mine. I will always be grateful.
My thoughts are with you.
Lots of love,
Louella
Dear Mary,
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Sydney made such a contribution to so many lives and leaves wonderful memories for community and the music world. Unfortunately for me, I knew him only in the latter stage of his journey.
Sincerely.
,
Sheila Rowand
Dear Mary, Max and Atarah,
We were all so lucky to have known Mr. Humphreys and to have experienced his intense artistry, patience, kindness, unconditional support and acceptance at such close proximity for so many years.
I’ll never forget the astounding chamber music lesson on clear intention and leading which he once gave us- he succeeded multiple times in bringing our whole quartet in together to his lead through a closed door! Magic stuff.
Mr. Humphreys will be sorely missed, but his lively spirit, influence and ideas definitely live on in all the musicians who were lucky to know him and learn from him.
Thinking of you in this difficult time,
With love and gratitude,
Bridget MacRae
To: Mary and family; (friend of (Ruby & Jean McRae)
So sorry to learn of Sydney’s passing. I am sure he is just “a breathe away from where you are”.
I remember him from the Conservatory of Music and the Victoria Operatic Society when he played for shows that I participated in. Witnessed many of the talented students of his that came into the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival. He had a profound influenceon so many young and emerging musicians.
Sincere condolences on your loss.
Maureen & Neil Fatin
Dear Mary and family,
We are just back and read about Sydney’s passing! I know that your wonderful memories will sustain you during this sad and difficult time. Our deepest sympathy to you and your whole family.
Cookie and Jack Dubney