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This past Sunday, Hans Vonk, the celebrated Dutch conductor, passed away. For those who did not know, Hans suffered from a degenerative disease believed to be ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Hans' last post was with the Radio Symphony Orchestra (Hilversum) where he completed his last recording of Brahms'2nd Symphony (Pentatone). His years with the Saint Louis Symphony were considered to be his best of his entire career and his sickness forced him to return to the Netherlands.
Yesterday, a memorial service was held in his honor at a church close to the Concertgebouw. The church was filled to capacity and the music was provided by the Radio Symphony, the Ebony Band (Concertgebouw players), and ensemble of members of the Saint Louis Symphony and other musicians from the Radio Philharmonic and Concertgebouw orchestras.
It was a very special occasion and was fitting for a man of his calibre and stature.
DK

The tubist on the St. Louis performances under Hans Vonk is Michael Sanders. I currently study with him and can't say enough great things about him. Michael is an amazing musician and has a brilliant mind. If you have never taken a lesson with him, please make an effort to get one. Michael studied with Arnold Jacobs and continues the "song and wind" legacy through his great orchestral performances and his teaching. And yes, the acoustics of Powell Hall are pretty amazing.

Bernard H. Flythe
Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium
Austin Peay State University

As long as I have known Mike, he has performed on a Yorkbrunner. He uses it for virtually everything. I am not all too certain about his F tuba (when) he uses it.