Alison Stephens

[Amy Burcham]

Alison is a great inspiration to so many people she does not know. Of course I am one, so full of thanks for her work as performer, teacher, and steward of this instrument. Her steadfast spirit - shown from her childhood determination to play mandolin and nothin' but, and shown again through these hard years - continues to light our way. Thank you Alison Stephens, for playing your part with such elegance.

And thanks to both Alison and Scott for this prescient interview -
http://www.mandolincafe.com/news/pub...s_001169.shtml

[33skidoo]

may the four winds blow her safely home....

[BradKlein]

One more, sending very best wishes to Ms. Stephens, and thanks, for the wonderful recordings.

[mike mandolin]

Alison
Praying for you

[Nigel Gatherer]

I've known Ali for seven years now, and have regarded her as a special friend. When I heard the news on Friday I did what I often do, took solace in music. I was moved to compose something for her, which I immediately recorded and sent to her. A friend said I should post it here. I'm sending Ali all my love, strength, warmth and good feelings.



PDF file download

MP3 file download

[Shelagh Moore]

I've never met you Alison but your music has been an inspiration to me. Sending my best thoughts and good wishes.

[Dan Hoover]

very sad to hear,my thought's go out to Ali and her family and friends. truly a remarkable lady..thank you Ali..

[vkioulaphides]

I am too sad for words to speak for myself right now; instead, I attach a telling, touching image that my dear friend Joe Brent just sent me from Brazil, where he is currently performing.

[John Zimm]

Terrible news. I've spent a few years wishing I had 1/10 her talent on the mandolin.

Very nice song Nigel-thanks for sharing.

-John.

[Jill McAuley]

Hearing Alison's playing is what sparked an interest in classical music for me, what a gifted and inspirational person she is. Heartbreaking news indeed, I'm saying a wee prayer for her.

Jill

[Scott Tichenor]

I'm sorry to bring the news that I've had two people report that Ali passed at away at 4:00 p.m.

Rest in peace.

I'll do something more proper to let folks know on the home page later today.

Edit: Ali passed away today, Sunday. My error not figuring out the time difference.

[Mandolin Mick]

So sad.

I once posted a picture of me crossing Abbey Road and she responded with her stories of Abbey Road Studio and apologized for not staying on the classical side of the Cafe! I told her that I was honored she would even notice my post.

Ali was a first class person all the way.

[Plamen Ivanov]

Terrible, terrible news! Much too young! Ali will always have a place in my heart! Rest in peace!

[vkioulaphides]

Earlier on, I forgot to attach Joe's verbal comments, which were meant to go along with the image he emailed me from Sao Paolo; apologies to Joe, and to you all. A leaden heart dulls the wit, as well. Here it is:

"Just heard the news about Ali here in São Paulo, where I'm touring with Regina Spektor. Although we never met, I (like so many others) have been touched by her musicianship and the warm good humour she radiated in our various correspondences. Many of you will remember a post I made a while back about a dear friend of mine who was also taken from us way too soon, the cellist Dan Cho, who was also a member of the Regina 'family'. We talk of him often, and a point that keeps coming up is that when a friend dies, it is of course a tragedy; when that friend is a musician of the calibre of Dan or Ali, the loss is compounded because you are also robbed of all the wonderful, creative, beautiful things they had yet to give the world. My heart goes out to her family and to all the rest whose lives were as touched by Ali's spirit as I have been."

[Scott Tichenor]

I'm sorry to bring the news that I've had two people report that Ali passed at away yesterday at 4:00 p.m.

Rest in peace.

I'll do something more proper to let folks know on the home page later today.

The actual date of death was today, Sunday. My error--sorry about that. I mistakenly assumed 4:00 p.m. meant yesterday but of course London is I believe 7 hours ahead of us...

[Jill McAuley]

Slán abhaile, Alison. Heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

Jill

[Mandobar]

very sad. my thoughts are with her family

[John Craton]

So saddened by this news. Ali was a great inspiration to so many of us. May her memory be eternal!

[tango_grass]

Very sad to hear. Rest in peace to one of our dear sisters in our extended mandolin family.

[vkioulaphides]

Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince(ss);
Flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

I trust The Bard would forgive me the alterations.

Victor

[Al Hagensen]

We all feel the sadness but the suffering is over for Alison,Angels are singing with her lovely music now.Prayers are being sent for her family and friends.
Thank You for the lovely music you made for all of us to enjoy.

[Tavy]

I just don't know what to say, what a loss to music and to life.... but what a legacy too, in her music, her teaching, and her students.

[Simen Kjaersdalen]

Very sad news.

[JEStanek]

Rest in Peace, Ali. We'll miss your presence and honor your memory with music.

Jamie

[eestimando]

RIP puhka rahus hää sõber muusikas...
Tõnu