Classical 88.1’s Music Director, Charles Wendelken-Wilson died Sunday morning following a long illness. Throughout his long career, Charles was single-minded in his passion for the music. In addition to Classical 88.1, Charles was the second Music Director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted the Dayton Opera, the Opera Funatics and the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra. He will be missed by us all.
A tribute to his life and his music is being planned for 5:30 pm, Tuesday, May 12 at the Schuster Center. Entrance to the concert will be through the stage door on Ludlow Street.
27 responses so far ↓
1 Mary // May 5, 2009 at 8:38 am
20 years ago, I signed up for a series of lectures given by Charles on opera. At that time, he did all the lectures himself and I gained a deep respect for his depth of knowledge and passion for his craft.
The topic for the entire series was “opera recitative”. He played scores of examples and patiently explained the differences between artists. I could start to tell a difference and some of them made me cry. I will never forget it or him.
Charles, you will be missed.
2 Julie & Bruce // May 5, 2009 at 9:00 am
The Dayton musical scene has been truely enriched for having CWW apart of it. Now he has joined his brethern, Lenny, Toscanini, Szell and of course Clark J Haines. He is making beautiful music with Caruso, “Bubbles” and Pinza. We will miss you Charles.
3 derek powell // May 5, 2009 at 11:58 am
Even though I had difficulty tuning in to your station in Lima, due to interference from a Canadian station, I always loved to hear Charles’s programs. His breadth of knowledge of all classical repertoire was astounding and always entertaining. He will be hard to replace and will be sorely missed.
4 URSULA FECHEK // May 5, 2009 at 12:18 pm
When I moved to Ohio from Boston MA, I found the depth of scholarship, information and love for music by Mr. Wilson to more than assuage my missing Boston’s culture. He was impressive! Indeed I have missed him these past months, and am aggrieved at his passing this life. I trust he did not suffer needlessly in his long illness. My condolences to his family. Many will miss him.
5 William A. (Bill) Hall // May 5, 2009 at 4:30 pm
As an amateur “Musicophile”, I appreciated Charles’ astonishing knowledge of both the technical aspects of what I was hearing, but also the sometimes “juicy” inside personal observations of the performers.
What was even more astonishing was his professional accomplishments, certainly underscored by his opera productions - he was a musician’s musician. I am saddened by his passing, but know that his legacy will be for all time.
Bill
6 Joe Ferrara // May 5, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Charles was such a familiar and instantaneously recognizable voice on Dayton Public Radio for so many years that it’s hard to imagine him gone. If there was 1 on-the-air personality most closely associated with WDPR (and the Dayton Philharmonic), it was him. He was truly a fine arts man who contributed significantly to the Miami Valley and will be missed.
7 Pat Suarez // May 5, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I produced and hosted the DPO concerts on FM radio from around 1978 to 1980. As Lloyd Bryant can attest, the person doing this job needs the cooperation, even the friendship, of the orchestra’s music director. Charles gave that and more to me and to Lloyd, who succeeded me. Charles was not only a colleague on the broadcasts, he was a friend, always asking the right questions and always offering some good advice and a warm smile. When I took the job of producer, Charles asked me one question: “Do you ride the gain?” In other words, do you adjust the input up and down as the music gets soft and loud. “No, never,” I responded. “You’ve got my blessing,” said Charles. And so I did. We will miss you, friend.
8 Georgie Woessner // May 5, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Who will keep me honest on the correct usage of “who” or “whom”?
Who will wear shorts and a sweatshirt to work in December?
Who will ask me to come sit at his desk to read an email because he never quite learned how to hit “forward”?
Who will eat the chocolate donuts during an on-air campaign?
Who will laugh when I tell him he’s playing music to jump off a bridge to?
Who will fuss over every baby that comes into the station?
It’s going to be a much different place around here.
Goodbye, dear friend.
9 Brent Phelps // May 5, 2009 at 9:22 pm
In the summer of 2005 I had to have an MRI done. If you’ve ever had this procedure, you’ll remember how they roll you through a narrow tube and give you a pair of stereo headphones to protect your hearing from the noise. They asked me what station I wanted to listen to and so I said 88.1, WDPR. When they tuned the station in, there was Charles! It was so nice to hear familiar music and a familiar voice!
Good bye Charles, and thanks for everything you did.
10 Helena // May 6, 2009 at 9:05 am
I remember when I first met Charles, with those sparkly blue eyes and wide smile he made me feel at ease right away. I was so nervous about interviewing for the job here at the station and when it was his turn to speak with me, he just asked me questions about myself, not one business related question. He laughed when I told him that writing poetry was my “private passion”, he said he liked that answer. I got the job. But more than that, I was lucky enough to connect with him and form a bond that was like family & friendship rolled into one. I miss him so terribly, and none of us who had the pleasure of knowing him will ever be the same without him. I’m sure that he is having a fabulous time wherever he is, I mean the music selection there has to be infinite! He could make any room one worth being in, and because of him I developed a passion for Opera, because of him I found out what pieces of music really touch my soul, and because of him I found the artist in myself. XOXO to you, Handsome Devil, wherever you are!~Lovey
11 Barry Dwyer // May 6, 2009 at 10:15 am
Charles was The Voice most loved by my dear, departed, sainted Mother - and by yrs. truly. Those rich tones resonated with deep knowledge of and passion for music. You felt, you knew that he wanted the listener to enjoy the selections as much as he did. And while very professional about his art, Charles at times leavened his presentations with a bit of whimsy, a touch of humor. He was one of a kind. The Voice is gone; his memory lives on. Requiscat in pace, CWW.
12 Helen // May 7, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I will miss hearing his voice every afternoon on Dayton Public Radio. In fact, I’ve missed it since January. Through him I learned to appreciate the music of so many different composers. The one that most comes to mind is Erich Korngold. Charles was sure to play something by him every afternoon. I will never lose the appreciation of music that he has taught me. May he rest in peace.
13 Shannon Tankersley // May 7, 2009 at 3:51 pm
It is hard to express what a person like Charles has meant to my life. He was such a special person. He was so respected and honored in the community but he was so down to earth with his shorts and his friendliness. I will never forget the case of Thin Mints he would purchase every year and share with the staff - secret stash during fund drives. And I never forget the day I called him a “poopy head” - and of course he never let me forget that by always calling me poopy head from that day on. I will miss him very, very much! But his spirit will live on at Dayton Public Radio….
14 Jenny Paxson // May 7, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I’ll never forget that on my last day of work as Membership Supervisor (back in March of 2002) Charles played several of my favorite pieces of music on his Afternoon Concert program and said lovely things about me. How great of a going away present is THAT? He was a hoot to work with, even when his cantakerous side came out.
15 John // May 7, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Long ago I studied with a briliant concertmaster and learned to play the violin…and many years later I met a brilliant conductor …who taught me a thing or two about making music.
So tonight I’ll dust off the Kreisler cadenza…your suggestions on the pages
Thanks for the memories
16 Molly Bell // May 8, 2009 at 10:07 am
My warm wishes to everyone in Dayton. Losing Charles is certainly the end of an era for the music scene there. What a blessing he has been to Dayton Public Radio, and how the organization grew and prospered, encouraged by his vision and leadership! Charles had strong opinions, but was also open-minded, especially if he could serve listeners better through his work. He truly believed in the phrase, “Great music for great listeners.” He listened to, encouraged, and coached those he worked with. There was a special place in his heart for any young person he could help with his time and energy, especially in their musical pursuits. Personally, I will always remember the pairing of my daughter, Kara, with Charles on the air; she won that privilege by responding to his challenge to any child to make a gift to Dayton Public Radio, and she will cherish that experience with him. He will be missed by many, and is unforgettable to those of us who knew him well. God speed, Charles!
17 Richard Hays // May 8, 2009 at 1:10 pm
On my computer or in my car, I found that Charles had a friendly voice. In the sometimes hectic life, I found peace and calm from him. I shall sorely miss those insightful comments about the music that we were about to hear.
Perhaps he is sharing that voice and comments with others somewhere else, and I must await my turn to hear him.
18 Larry Cinerama Smith // May 9, 2009 at 7:38 am
Charles was always a distinguished gentleman that seemed to be world traveled, knew all the crown heads of Europe, was be loved by no less than Beverly Sills and was kind to me when I was feeling low. He conducted the New York City Opera and at the famous party for John F. Kennedy where Marilyn Monroe sang happy birthday Mr. President it was Charles who accompanied Maria Callus (a better singer). He was a great man, much talented and generous to a fault. He saw the best in people and demanded no less than they bring it out often. I will miss his smile, his encouragement and his music, because he brought the best of music and people together. Thanks Charles for filling our lives with the sounds of music!
19 Hank Cates // May 9, 2009 at 12:42 pm
It’s a little after 1:00 PM on Saturday and I am sitting in the air studio listening to Cavalleria Rusticana from the Lyric Opera of Chicago and remembering watching Charles during rehearsals for the Dayton Opera’s Cav/Pag. I was amazed at the way the young singers responded to his comments and direction. He would softly sing along with them and I kidded him about it until I realized that he was helping them with their breathing and phrasing. He was truly a singer’s conductor and I miss him.
20 Tom Jacobs // May 11, 2009 at 9:10 am
It is impossible for me to say in a few words what Charles meant to me. As a new music teacher in the city of Dayton in 1975 I spent a terrified 5 minutes playing a horrible audition for the new conductor of the DPO. Fortunately, 14 years later, when I played another audition for Charles for the MVSO, he had either managed to forget or managed to forgive. During his ten years with the MVSO, we had his undivided attention for 2 and a half hours a week for ten months of the year. That is a gift and a blessing that everyone else should envy. During that time, Charles did me the unbelievable honor on numerous occasions of handing me a baton and asking me to conduct the MVSO when he was away. His confidence and trust in me (something he did not give easily) was one of the greatest gifts and affirmations of my life. Every time I play and every time I hear great music, I see and hear and feel Charles’ presence. And that, too, is a great gift. For most of us who played for Charles in the MVSO, every performance for the rest of our lives will be, at least in part, a tribute and a memorial to Charles and the time he spent with us.
21 Lena Lonigro // May 11, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I learned a great deal about music from Charles during my years at WDPR. I shall always remember that there was never uncertainty where Charles and music were concerned. Often he delivered compliments when I played music that he adored, and then, he had a very clever way of joking with me about those pieces he didn’t like. I shall always remember that on my last day at WDPR, he let me know that I would be missed. Charles, you are missed by all who love music. I imagine the angels greeting you, neither with harp nor harpsichord, but a full and magnificent orchestra playing a perfect rendition of your favorite Beethoven symphony.
Lena
22 Susie Weaver // May 12, 2009 at 10:36 pm
The “voice” of Dayton Public Radio has been silenced but will never be forgotten by the many, many fans of CWW. Our community is so much richer for his years spent here among us. He elevated our musical sensibilities through his conducting and instructing. What a gem he was at the podium, in the pit or in front of the console. He could do it all with such grace and charm! And if you ever thought his classical training made him an elitist, then you never saw him in gym shoes, black socks and plaid bermuda shorts topped with a sweatshirt while spinning the classics at DPR. For me, Charles will always be the sweet guy I got to know during fundraising at DPR…he actually thought I had a good voice for radio…what a charmer! We have lost a dear friend…but that rich voice will always sound in our hearts! Wish I could have hugged you good-bye, Susie
23 Richard Benedum and Julane Rodgers // May 13, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Together with so many others in Dayton and far beyond, we share wonderful memories of Charles. His passion for music was his life–and he shared that passion with so many of us, from the podium or behind the microphone, whether teaching his “Ear for Opera” classes or in quiet conversation over a cup of coffee. Charles was the catalyst that began the musical renaissance in Dayton that has benefited so many. He was truly a “Helden-musician”!
24 Shaun Yu // May 14, 2009 at 9:37 am
This was sent to us by Emma Louise Odum, retired long-time violist with the DPO:
Dearest Charles,
It is necessary for me to write this note to you since I am fighting a leg wound problem. You don’t know how much I want to be with you on the celebration of your wonderful memorial. I want to be playing with all your dear friends who love you as much as I do.
I was one of the neglectful people who started a card or note to you about a dozen times and never got it finished. I was trying to tell you to hurry up and get better. I wanted so badly to feel just great so I could play either the next opera or next concert with you. You will never know how much I have missed talking with you and playing under your brilliant conductorship.
You were always so fine and knew the background and history of everything we played. How could we be so lucky to be able to have both you and Neal to play under and also Paul Katz. I guess I did something right in my life.
Dearest Charles, thank you for everything you did to enrich our lives in the arts, especially in our love of opera and symphony.
You and Neal did so much to give me a fine knowledge of music and the ability to perform it. Thank you for instilling the great desire into me to want to perform better and better at all times and want to follow in the footsteps of both of you. It will always be my goal to keep trying to be more brilliant in music at all times.
To my two wonderful friends,
My love,
Emma Louise Odum
25 Larry Coressel // May 14, 2009 at 6:01 pm
It has been almost a week and I still can’t grasp it.
One of the most, if not the most influential person in my so-called-career is gone.
I remember meeting Charles Wendelken-Wilson in 1986 when I showed up to audition as an announcer at WDPR, which at the time was only on the air a few hours a day.
I was 21. Charles and Clark Haines were much older. And wiser.
Somehow, for reasons I have yet to understand, they believed in me. They, along with General Manager Bill Combs were crazy enough to hire me.
I have spent the past 20+ years agreeing, disagreeing and often agreeing to disagree with the CWW.
Often I would say, “Hey Charles, what about the 5 Browns?”
To which he would respond “I don’t like cheesecake.”
Or what about the Canadian Brass?
To which he would say, “I would hate them if they weren’t so damn good!”
“What do you think about playing excerpts of symphonic masterpieces on the air?”
“If you say so…”
“But only if it means listening again tomorrow…”
Tomorrow… and tomorrow…
Charles auditioned for me in 1995 and I cast him as Duncan in Macbeth. He turned it down.
I was the narrator for his Lincoln Portrait with the MVSO in the late 1990’s. A performance lesson I will carry with me, always.
CWW and I talked for years about the many possibilities of editing and staging Hamlet.
He was always encouraging yet critical of my Hamlet edits, and constantly reminded me that it is about telling the story.
It’s not about you or me.
CWW died the morning after my production of Hamlet closed.
The rest is silence.
Good night, sweet prince.
And thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
26 David Zelmon // May 14, 2009 at 8:05 pm
I was privileged to meet the Maestro one day during his tenure as director of the MVSO. I was conducting a small band at work and had asked through his friend Steve Bankey if I might sit in the back of the rehearsal room and observe how he conducted his rehearsals. I learned a great deal by studying the score as he made it live through the musicians. More astonishing was that when he heard that I was leading a group of musicians, he actually offered to go over one of our scores with me! I never had the nerve to accept, but I was overwhelmed with the generosity he showed in sharing his musical knowledge with me,a very amateur musician. I also got to work with him at the Dayton Opera as a super. Even though our contacts were few, I will miss him very much. He made both making and listening to music a priceless experience.
27 Lisa // Jun 29, 2009 at 8:01 am
I never met Charles but I loved his voice. His joy and love for what he was doing always shone through.
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