Comments on: A Tribute To Orlando Cole

By: Janice Beimford

Janice Beimford — Mon, 09 May 2011 18:00:17 +0000

My mom and Orlando were cousins. My grandfather and his mother were twins. Once my mom passed away in 2008, we lost contact. I was so saddened to hear of his passing but at 101 he was blessed with a long and wonderful life. I just came across a CD that he gave my mom the last time we saw him. I have also found a photo of him with my mom and his sister Elizabeth. I will cherish these items even more. I know he is playing for my mom and his family in God’s orchestra and know that his music will ALWAYS live on!

By: Jason Calloway

Jason Calloway — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 02:51:45 +0000

Mr. Harrell —

It has taken me quite some time to grow accustomed to not being able to ring Mr. Cole anytime, when I’ve turned a decent phrase, played or taught Barber or any of his favorite little pieces, remembered something he said, or listened to one of the dozens of Curtis Quartet and recital tapes I have (we once spent a couple weeks in the summer copying old tapes!) — but your remembrances, and Chris’ too, make me smile with pleasure and pride at having been fortunate to be in the orbit of this truly great, old-fashioned gentleman. Mr. Cole was a portrait of decency and class, one of the great inspirations in my life, and I think of him literally every day, as I own and play on his 1992 Michele Ashley copy of the Sleeping Beauty. And Mike, that you have brought out an edition of that lovely Mozart work makes me weep too — I was 17 when he gave me a recital tape with his performance of it, and he was thrilled when I asked to play it – I still do.

Thank you again, Mr. Harrell, for your gracious tribute and to continuing to inspire me each time we meet in the very same way as Mr. Cole!

By: caroline

caroline — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:34:18 +0000

Mr. Harrell, Luckily, I’ve heard you perform many times over the years (last time in Santa Fe) & learned much from your performances. your sound is so ravishing & unique that it changed my ideas of what a cello could sound like.
I’ve had the wonderful good fortune to study with Orlando’s son, David, who must have inherited or absorbed his father’s pedagogical talents and humanity.
If you answer questions: Do you change the type of strings you use depending on the climate where you’re performing?

By: Christopher Pegis

Christopher Pegis — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:43:56 +0000

When a man reaches the age of 102 and is as dedicated a teacher as Orlando Cole was, they touch so very many lives it would be impossible to count! I was indeed fortunate to have studied with him and I remember very clearly not just the lessons but fatherly way he worked with me. How many times I remember him reaching across the room and tapping me on the head with his bow. “What are you doing”? he would ask with humor and patience. I came to love those “Taps” because though I knew I was about to be re directed, I knew I was safe at the same time. He was very hard on me as a student but I never walked into his studio afraid. Quite the contrary, in fact I couldn’t wait to see what he would say. He was always the same, and I mean that in the best way. Every day I saw him, he was upbeat, happy, excited about teaching or coaching, always glad to see or talk to any of his students. A truly amazing man.

By: Jane Harrell

Jane Harrell — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:14:35 +0000

Dearest brother ~

You were so fortunate to have known, admired, and learned from such a man as Landy. A great performer is always a treasure. And the great performer who is also the great teacher, is a rare find, indeed. I wish I had known him, too. Reading this tribute, I feel as if I almost did. You are certainly following his lead – and your gifts are tremendous. I am so proud to call you my brother as I know that I as well as this world is a far better place because of you. Your loving sister, Jane.

By: lynn harrell

lynn harrell — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:15:57 +0000

Dear Dejan:
No, Landy was 102 when he died. He just slipped away after saying to his family and nurse “I’m ready!”. He was SO loved and a great musician and teacher: very rare.Lynn Harrell

By: Dejan

Dejan — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:58:30 +0000

I thank you, let us know how he died peacefully and we will remember him who inspired his musicianship and many technical ideas, i will miss him as such passionate teacher who was almost 90.

i really thank you mr. Harrell and mr. Cole.

By: Terri

Terri — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:51:38 +0000

I enjoyed your tribute Lynn. I remember seeing you play the Saint Saens in San Diego once and I caught up with you at your signing table after the concert. I explained to you that I was an adult beginner and had purchased the tape you and Orlando made on bowing to help me. You said, “Did you find it confusing?” I said, “Well a little.” And then you said, “Yes, Orlando said it was too confusing.”

Thanks for the tribute.

By: Lynnharrell

Lynnharrell — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:58:36 +0000

Thanks , Eben, my dear son! Dad

By: Eben Harrell

Eben Harrell — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:44:40 +0000

What a moving tribute. I’m sure he was proud of how you shared the same love for music with so many.