RIP George Shangrow

George Shangrow, one of Seattle’s finest musicians and musical personalities, died last night in an auto collision.  Shangrow was driving to give a talk at the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival when a teenager crossed the center lane of the highway, crashing into Shangrow’s car, killing him.

This is a tremendous loss for Seattle’s classical music community.  Shangrow was a charismatic, sometimes awkward advocate for music that wouldn’t make it to the concert stage otherwise.  His performances of Bach, Monteverdi, and Handel’s Messiah with Orchestra Seattle drew a cult following.

Rest in peace, George.  You will be missed. Orchestra Seattle has posted a statement on their web page. KUOW has a nice piece on Shangrow.

A clip of George doing what he did best: conducting Handel’s Messiah.