Jeffrey Dinsmore, co-founder and integral member of the Philadelphia choral ensemble The Crossing, died suddenly on April 14th in Los Angeles at age 42. The Crossing's conductor Donald Nally sent out this email message (below) about Jeff's passing. This is such a sad loss for Jeff's family and loved ones, and for everyone in Philadelphia's choral community. Jeff had so much to do with the rapid rise of The Crossing through his administrative and technological gifts. I'll always remember his captainship of the front of the house--when he should've been relaxing before singing in a grueling concert, he was seeing to the smooth running of ticket operations. Then, when you turned your head, he was strolling onstage to sing. He was a formidable musician, calm, funny, and with the sweetest tenor voice. We'll all miss him. WRTI extends heartfelt condolences and wishes of peace to the entire Crossing community, and Jeff's family and friends.
Here is the message from Donald Nally:
"I write with deep sorrow and profound dismay to confirm the passing of our friend and co-founder, Jeff Dinsmore. Monday morning, as we were about to begin the first rehearsal of The Crossing at Disney Concert Hall, Jeff collapsed; all efforts to revive him failed. We lost him just before noon Los Angeles time.
Our hearts, prayers, and love are focused on Rebecca Siler, Jeff's partner who is with us here, as well as Jeff's parents John and Lois, his sister Suzie, and Rebecca's mother Deb--all integral, beloved members of The Crossing family. We have lost a son, a brother, a friend, a versatile artist, a smart singer, a broadly thinking mind of great intellect, a creative heart of varied passions. I have, personally, lost my balance--my 'other half' in The Crossing, with whom I have spoken daily for the past eight years and with whom I have had the privilege of creating this ensemble with its unique blend of friendship, artistry, professionalism, and love for one another. Jeff believed in our vision with his characteristic clarity, and he promoted it with his unique precision. In many ways, he was The Crossing.
We will go on, because that is what humans do. Rebecca, observing Jeff's endlessly practical and pragmatic approach to life, has asked us to stay with this project and sing Andriessen's De Materie here on Friday night. In a work that revolves around two chords comprising eight tones, the absence of one of those tones in every chord of every measure is a fitting metaphor for the great hole in our lives that, at this point, seems unfathomably deep.
Thank you for the hundreds of messages we have received and will continue to receive, reflecting Jeff's broad reach, and the gratitude we share for his life."
--Donald Nally
(For the entire Crossing family)
Jeff Dinsmore remembered
Co-Founder, The Crossing
President of the Board, The Crossing 2005-2013
Marketing Director at The Crossing
Marketing Director, Opera New Jersey
Founder, BeSeenCommunications
Singer at The Crossing, Opera Company of Philadelphia, St. Mark's Church Locust Street, St. Paul's Church Chestnut Hill, The Spoleto Festival Choir, The Westminster Choir, The Bridge Ensemble
Partner, Advisor, Artist, Designer, Thinker, Serious Reader, Dreamer, Friend
http://youtu.be/c_XdOzhT7ak
Obituary from The Philadelphia Inquirer, by David Patrick Stearns