A very emotional concert

By Clare

In November last year, we learned about the passing of our friend Win Rompf and his wife Margarete. Win was known as a passionate pianist and an educator who inspired many students. For the sake of spreading the fun of piano ensemble playing, he started the North West International Piano Ensemble Competition to “ encourage those teachers who have a vision for their younger students, or to create a vehicle for serious students of young adult age, to explore piano duets and duos.” (Win Rompf) This competition remains the only one of its kind until today, and it will continue to carry on the legacy of Win’s vision.

We were invited to play at their memorial concert a while back, and of course we would love to be a part of it. But the morning I woke up, I started remembering when we met up with Win the last time, and when we called and how we said we would get together again not long before learning about his passing. It was somehow hard for me to focus what I was doing throughout the day.

When we arrived at the venue, I learned later that it was a church that Win and his wife used to go to. Upon entering the sanctuary, the projector had a big loving picture of Win and his wife smiling. It was unfortunate that we never met his wife, but Win’s smiles were always influential to his surroundings. I tried to avoid looking up to the screen because I wanted to stay calm and focused for our performance.

Every performer said shared something from their memories of Win and his wife. Win’s oldest son was the second to share. He often at times choked up during his speech. I cannot image how it is like to lose both parents at the same time. I am sincerely so sorry! As he got emotional during the speech, many of us in the audience also were wiping tears. Even though I had been trying my best to stay calm, it was just too hard to do at this moment.

Soon it was our turn, and Scott was giving a speech about our chats with Win. This was probably the most emotional performance I have ever done in public.

Everyone mentioned the kindness, the inspiration, the passion Win had and brought to them. It was so great to learn about how many souls he had inspired and touched.

It was an honour to have met Win, and he will forever live in our hearts. It is sad that we never thought of getting a picture with him.