Robert Samels: 1981-2006

[ghost of miles]

A fellow WFIU announcer, friend, and rising star in the world of classical vocal music was killed this past Thursday night in a plane crash that took the lives of four other IU School of Music grad students. Robert was a bass baritone who also pursued choral conducting, composition (he'd already written an opera), and teaching. He had started a great Tuesday-evening vocal program, Cantabile, this past January, and was going to spend the summer at Wolf Trap. He was genuinely brilliant, endlessly enthusiastic, liked and/or loved by nearly all who came into contact with him, and--despite his many gifts--not at all arrogant or infatuated with himself. A rare, rare human being; he was on his way to big things, which he deserved in every sense of the word.

Robert Samels in memoriam

It's incredible to me--and an inspiration--how much Robert managed to accomplish in his 24 years.

His colleagues on the plane were amazingly talented as well (IU has a very good school of music, and these five students were considered the best of the best) and also in their mid-twenties. Yet one more reminder that even the sad, bad, depressed days are gifts too, and that there could be thousands more of them, or only one.

[Robert J]

He was on his way to big things, which he deserved in every sense of the word.

That is a really tragic story. It does make you feel you should live life boldly.

Edited April 28, 2006 by Robert J

[paul secor]

David - I'm truly sorry about the loss of your friend. It sounds as if he had a very full life before his passing.

[alocispepraluger102]

A fellow WFIU announcer, friend, and rising star in the world of classical vocal music was killed this past Thursday night in a plane crash that took the lives of four other IU School of Music grad students. Robert was a bass baritone who also pursued choral conducting, composition (he'd already written an opera), and teaching. He had started a great Tuesday-evening vocal program, Cantabile, this past January, and was going to spend the summer at Wolf Trap. He was genuinely brilliant, endlessly enthusiastic, liked and/or loved by nearly all who came into contact with him, and--despite his many gifts--not at all arrogant or infatuated with himself. A rare, rare human being; he was on his way to big things, which he deserved in every sense of the word.

Robert Samels in memoriam

It's incredible to me--and an inspiration--how much Robert managed to accomplish in his 24 years.

His colleagues on the plane were amazingly talented as well (IU has a very good school of music, and these five students were considered the best of the best) and also in their mid-twenties. Yet one more reminder that even the sad, bad, depressed days are gifts too, and that there could be thousands more of them, or only one.

the tragic loss of a young artist and mentor in an ugly world is indeed catastrophic. may Robert's memory comfort you and all those who loved him.

[ghost of miles]

There was an absolutely beautiful memorial service for him Wednesday evening at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in Bloomington. Just incredible--the IU School of Music really put heart & soul into it.

Songs, poetry reflect on life of music student

He was 24, and he'd already written an opera (a very good one, from what I hear--the School of Music may end up staging it). His talent was extraordinary, but I just took it for granted, as did many who had any kind of daily contact with him--partly because he was so unassuming in his brilliance.

Really going to miss having him around.

[catesta]

David, I am sorry for your loss.

24 is way too young to go.

Edited April 28, 2006 by catesta