Our Concertmaster of 13 years, Alexandra Loukianova, sadly died on Friday December 16th after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Her funeral was held today (December 22nd) at Wollongong.  Forty members of MWC joined a large number of other mourners for the funeral service at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral.  A small party attended her interment, following which we all re-assembled in the Church Hall where Alexandra used to teach, for refreshments, more memories of Alexandra and more music.

Members of Alexandra’s various orchestras and ensembles played throughout the service and later in the Church Hall.  Her pupils played as the coffin entered the Cathedral.  The choir, comprising members of MWC and Cantares, sang a number of motets conducted by Carlos.

The tributes to Alexandra were warm and fulsome.  Richard Griffiths gave an Appreciation of Alexandra on behalf of members of the Choir.  (Click here to read it.)

During the service, Carlos said on a number of occasions how lucky he felt to be living here in Australia.  At the Church Hall, Margaret Chaffer commented that she thought the equation worked the other way round:  how lucky Australia is to have Carlos and to have had Alexandra with us.

Whilst acknowledging that we will miss Alexandra enormously, today was about giving thanks for all she has contributed to our lives as an artist and as an individual.  It was a sombre day, lightened by insights into Alexandra’s high sense of humour, and by glimpses of Carlos’ deep love for her and all she stood for.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Carlos, Alexander, Maria and members of Alexandra’s family in Russia.