07/10: Remembering Suzanne
On October 5, 2009, the New York arts community was shocked and saddened by the tragic news that Suzanne Fiol, Artistic Director of Issue Project Room, had passed away. Suzanne died of cancer, much too young.
I first met Suzanne in 2004, when I performed at Issue Project Room (IPR) with the poet Edwin Torres. Later that season Suzanne invited my ensemble, Ne(x)tworks, to perform a concert there. At the time, IPR was a small room in the east village – half of an office space, really. Thanks to Suzanne's tenacity and idealism, it has since grown to a full size venue at 232 3rd Street in Brooklyn. We were all thrilled when Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz recently granted $1,133,000 to IPR so that Suzanne could move the venue to its future home at 110 Livingston.
Over the years I have been involved in so many fascinating concerts at IPR. I worked for great musicians like Butch Morris and Anthony Coleman. Suzanne gave my ensemble, Ne(x)tworks, a residency at IPR in 2006. She provided the opportunity for me to try out some of my first pieces for solo violin and sonic background around the same time. Last season, Suzanne lent IPR to ETHEL, so that we could prepare for the world premiere of Phil Kline’s SPACE.
I always loved being around Suzanne, talking about life, children, music, and art.
Suzanne, you did so much for us all. You provided a haven, a cultural oasis. You gave us inspiration to explore, endeavor, and grow. Your generosity, humor, depth, and keen intelligence will be sorely missed. Indeed, New York will never be the same without you. You live on in our hearts and in our music, poetry, and art. Thank you. We can never thank you enough.
I first met Suzanne in 2004, when I performed at Issue Project Room (IPR) with the poet Edwin Torres. Later that season Suzanne invited my ensemble, Ne(x)tworks, to perform a concert there. At the time, IPR was a small room in the east village – half of an office space, really. Thanks to Suzanne's tenacity and idealism, it has since grown to a full size venue at 232 3rd Street in Brooklyn. We were all thrilled when Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz recently granted $1,133,000 to IPR so that Suzanne could move the venue to its future home at 110 Livingston.
Over the years I have been involved in so many fascinating concerts at IPR. I worked for great musicians like Butch Morris and Anthony Coleman. Suzanne gave my ensemble, Ne(x)tworks, a residency at IPR in 2006. She provided the opportunity for me to try out some of my first pieces for solo violin and sonic background around the same time. Last season, Suzanne lent IPR to ETHEL, so that we could prepare for the world premiere of Phil Kline’s SPACE.
I always loved being around Suzanne, talking about life, children, music, and art.
Suzanne, you did so much for us all. You provided a haven, a cultural oasis. You gave us inspiration to explore, endeavor, and grow. Your generosity, humor, depth, and keen intelligence will be sorely missed. Indeed, New York will never be the same without you. You live on in our hearts and in our music, poetry, and art. Thank you. We can never thank you enough.
Chris McIntyre wrote: