Deveau's Graceful Finale
By Lee Eisemann
The nostalgic albeit dry-eyed vibe made for more celebratory and familial than valedictory sensations Sunday at Shalin Liu Performance Center, as artistic director / pianist David Deveau ended his 22-year institutional reign embraced in warmth and acclaim. More than half of the 400 auditors seemed to be either board members or volunteers of the well-grounded Rockport Music organization. Continuing executive director Tony Beadle opened the brief spoken tribute segment with the news that, although he was “bummed out,” he knew that Deveau, newly minted as artistic director emeritus, would be going on to more great things. Uncharacteristically reluctant to speak, Deveau then noted how he felt like an observer at his own funeral. He vowed to fulfill the emeritus duties “whatever they may be.” He also welcomed his successor Barry Shiffman, who witnessed the first half from a standing position in the balcony. MORE
