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 and Family,
We were so sorry to learn of Sydney’s passing. We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to your family. He will definitely be missed by all those whose lives he touched which were many.
Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Yael and Jeff Wollach
Reluctantly the time has come to say goodbye to one of the most important influences in many of our young lives. If others shared my experience with Sydney, you made us what we are today, giving us the courage, conviction and wisdom to navigate the world of music. We are forever in your debt and you will always have our deepest gratitude.
Best wishes, dear sir. You were truly a special light in so many lives.
Mark Ferris
Dear Mary and family,
I was saddened to read of Sydney’s passing but I am sure that the many wonderful memories friends and family have of him will comfort you at this time and in the future. What an amazing life he had, sharing his passion and talents with so many for so long. It was a pleasure to know him.
With my deepest sympathy,
Sue Moore
Dear Mary and Family,
So sorry to hear of Sydney’s passing. With Robin and Winifred, James and now Sydney gone, it really is the end of an era for the Victoria Conservatory of Music. I miss them all and now my thoughts are especially with Sydney who contributed so greatly to so many musicians in this area and around the world. Please know, Mary, that the thoughts of many of us are with you at this difficult time. We will remember Sydney as a magnificent musician and teacher who lives on in his students everywhere.
With love,
Arlene Antonik
Dear Mary, Max and Atarah,
So saddened to hear about Sydney’s death. We were privileged to know him , not just as an amazing musician, but as a funny, wise and gentle friend. Memories of gardens and sewing and witty repartee will keep him in our hearts as a beloved friend.
Wish we could attend the memorial concert; we will be there in spirit.
Sending love and hugs your way.
Sally and Alan
Dear Mary,
I wish I had known Sydney before his final few years but feel honoured to have known both of you for a short while. Such a gentle man, so peaceful, so easy to be around in the environment we shared. I miss our weekly visits and hope to connect with you again, Mary.
Your are in my thoughts and prayers,
Judy
Not only was Sydney Humphreys a superlative performer and teacher but he had a most delightful humour that he shared with everyone he came in contact with. One did not need to play the violin to benefit from Sydney’s expertise in teaching. He freely gave all the knowledge he had to all the students that engaged in chamber music, orchestra and solo performance. As members of Trio Victoria, he, along with Robin Wood and James Hunter, performed all the piano trios in the repertoire and we, the students, along with many members of the public, were the recipients of superlative performances for many wonderful years. I certainly will miss him, but having spent my youth and much of my adulthood knowing him, his incredible playing, his image and his smiling face will be with me forever. My deepest condolences go out to Mary and the family.
Dear Mary, Max and Atarah,
Our deepest condolence for Sydney’s pass-away. We shall always remember fondly his important contributions to our family. For years he had been an encouraging and helpful associate to Esther at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and for years he had taught our sons Maxwell and Emlyn, from teenage till adulthood. They owe him their success in their musical careers.
Dear Mr Humphreys,
You inspired me to be an addict–a violin addict, a classical music junkie when I was in my teenage years. You made me look forward to my lessons and you made music so magical. You have been unique,creative, expressive, caring, and you believed in me. You were that perfect teacher that came just at the right time. Thank you. You live on through all your students– through every note we play from the depths of our hearts. We have been a lucky bunch. You have made this world a better place. RIP …you are everywhere now.
My deepest condolences to Mary Humphreys, Max and Atarah and their families.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of such a great light. Sydney was a difference maker. I was privileged to study with him for several years. Sydney’s unique insight in the art of violin technique; his tremendous experience as a concertmaster; his incredible musicianship created indelible memories. He touched so many. Above all, I will never forget the twinkle in his eye the minute he picked up the violin to play. Indeed, his passion infected all around him.