VietNamNet Bridge – Famous conductor Charles Ansbacher passed away just five months after he conducted VietNamNet’s Reconciliation Concert 2009. On the occasion of his birthday, October 5, we would like to publish a letter from Ansbacher’s daughter—Lillian, as remembrance of the American conductor who had close relations with VietNamNet and Vietnam.

American conductor of 'Reconciliation Concert' passes away Happy Birthday, Charles Ansbacher

By his “Miss Lil, my one and only daughter,” 29, Denver, Colorado
Sent on October 5th, Pop’s birthday

The man I called “Pop” never sought fame. He was not even comfortable with well-earned praise. He humbly shared his passion with the world, not for monetary gain, or renown, but for the sheer love of classical music. I grew up attending his concerts and was always impressed by the excitement and joy he brought to the stage.

Pop adored my new husband, who had attended his outdoor concerts when he was boy. So Rodney and I followed him not only to Boston, Moscow, Colorado, Moldova, Bosnia, and Ukraine, but also to Hanoi when he was invited to be the first American conductor to lead the Vietnamese Symphony Orchestra. Although he had conducted in dozens of countries, given the traumatic history of our two countries, this clearly was one of the great honors of his life.

The trip was more difficult than anyone in Vietnam could have guessed. By then the brain tumor, for which he was having chemotherapy, was draining his energy and making it very hard for him to focus. But even cancer could not keep him from participating in the Reconciliation Concert conceived by his new friend Tuan Nguyen. I watched him rehearse with all the enthusiasm he had always shown where his favorite composers were concerned.

Though the musicians and he spoke separate languages they communicated through music, and brought to life the brilliance of the old masters, and even that famous American picnic song. Who will forget the moment he put the baton between his teeth so he could lead the audience in clapping in time to the music!

Today, on his birthday, I’ll be raising a toast to Pop, who had a special place in my heart -- and a toast to the Vietnamese, who made a special place for him in their hearts.

Lillian