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Charles Darden
- Thread starter elgreaux
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JEK
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Charles Darden Obituary
Charles Darden (1946-2013) |
| Obituary Guest Book More Photos 
He was born in Galveston, Texas, on Aug. 28, 1946, to the late Linnie L. Darden Sr. and Victoria Darden. He attended local schools in Galveston and Berkeley, Calif. Following his graduation from Berkeley High School, he joined the U.S. Army. He was a graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He grew up in California and was the founder and conductor of the Berkeley Free Orchestra. In 1970, Seiji Ozawa appointed him apprentice conductor to the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Later, he was twice a conducting fellow at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where he studied with Leonard Bernstein. In 1975, Lorin Maazel appointed him conducting assistant to the Cleveland Orchestra. He was later appointed musical director of the Ballet Rambert in London and later principal conductor of the Dance Theater of Harlem in New York. He was a frequent guest conductor in Europe, primarily in Norway, where he was a regular conductor with the Den Norske Opera. He was an accomplished pianist and appeared as Jasbo Brown in the Metropolitan Opera's production of "Porgy and Bess." Mr. Darden was an authority on the life and music of the ragtime composer Scott Joplin. He wrote the one-man show "Great Scott!" outlining the life of the ragtime composer. Charles Darden was the director of music for the Anglican Church, and director of La Chorale De Bons Choeurs, on the island of St. Barts in the Caribbean French West Indies. In 1999, he produced L'Hymne á St. Barthlemy, the island's own national anthem. Mr. Darden divided his time between St. Barts and New York. He appeared as pianist/singer in a number of first class hotels around the world before going to St. Barts. These included the Noga Hilton in Cannes, France, the Renaissance Hotel in Hong Kong, and the Colombo Hilton in Sri Lanka. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Linnie and Victoria Darden, and his brothers, Jeff Darden, Otis Darden and Nathaniel Darden. He is survived by his sisters, Charlene Darden of Las Vegas, Claressa Morrow of Berkeley Jean Reeves of Dublin, Calif., and Melvin Neeley of Texas City, Texas; his brothers, Linnie L. Darden Jr. of Hinesville and Paul Darden of Portland. Ore.; his nephew, attorney Linnie L. Darden III of Hinesville; as well as a host of other nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Hilltop Community Church in Richmond, Calif., at 11 a.m. March 7. Flowers or remembrances may be sent to the Hilltop Community Church, 3118 Shane Dr., Richmond, CA 94806. The family will receive friends before and after the service.
CHARLES DARDEN This Guest Book will remain online until 3/24/2013.Learn More 
Add a message to the Guest Book February 23, 2013I too, am so sorry to hear of this. I went to the Church of Christ with him as well as BHS where I was really involved in music. After high school Charles, Marilyn and I commuted to SF State in my little Buick. He was soooo talented. I remember the passing of his brother Jeff and also Otis. It was so sad. If we had email back then we might have been in touch more. I have thought of him often over the years as well as his sister Charlene. I will always remember you with the greatest and best of memories. God bless your family. You sure came from a great one!!! Linda Holmes Chollet Contact Me February 22, 2013Charles graduated from BHS in 1963, with my brother Dick Bauer. My only, and very moving connection with Charles, was as a 13 yr - old, seeing him perform the role of the King in 'King and I' at BHS. Even at that young age I could tell he was very special and very talented. His performance brought me to tears as the King dies at the end of the musical. I send you my warmest regards on this sad occasion and want you to know what a strong connection I felt with him in that amazing performance of his, at BHS.~ Daria Bauer, San Rafael, California Contact Me February 22, 2013 
Peter Mintun, New York, New York Contact Me February 22, 2013I am so sorry to see the passing of such a fun and talented man. I knew Charles in Berkeley at the Church of Christ and at Cazadero Music Camp when we were in high school. I send my love to his brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace.~ Marilyn Brown, Nutley, New Jersey Contact Me February 22, 2013Theda and I are sorry to hear of the loss of Charles Darden, knowing his nephew Linnie Darden III and his brother Linnie Darden, not only are they mourning the loss of Charles, but the world of music has lost a music talent.~ Joseph Stuart, Hinesville, Georgia |
JEK
Senior Insider
Link to the registry book online http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/co...id=163233112&nocache=true&cid=addentry&sign=0
didier
Senior Insider
I just arrived home, back from the service for Charles at the Anglican Church. I don't think I have heard anyone sing the song, Oh happy day, so beautifully. He will be missed, the church was full. There was a champagne gathering outside afterwards that I did not stay for. A wonderful tribute to a great man.
pascaleschmidt
Senior Insider
what a lovely soul. He would let our son use the piano to practice in concertos...
What a terrible loss of this wonderful artist. My husband and I spent many fabulous evenings at the Barto restaurant the Guanahani, listening to Charles play the piano and then spending time with him afterward, just talking. He was the sweetest man who made everyone simply happy to be in his company. May he rest in peace and sing with the angels.
