MICHAEL JAFFEE

The wonderful Waverly Consort Christmas concert began the holiday season for me for over 20 years as a member of the audience.The sun set during the concert, the medieval music with its austere, unsentimental harmonies reminded us that life is not all sweetness. But the Estampe passage also provided the contrary reminder that people in all times celebrated life. Michael's powerful striking of the drum startled us..... Listen! Awaken! Life is pain AND joy. I never grew tired of those...

Listening now to the wonderful music of the Waverly Consort's American Journey. Just learned on line that founder Michael Jaffee has passed away. So profoundly sad. I have several Waverly Consort recordings but this is my very favorite. It is inspired and inspirational. I know the angels are surrounding Michael and most likely they're making beautiful music together. My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. Nearing 81 myself, I know his passing was way too soon.

The holidays began for me every year with the annual Cloisters concert and the dinner party after. This was the last party but it wasn't a depressing time. Michael said it was time to move on and he had big plans. He loved his garden and, sad as it was, his passing couldn't have happened in a more appropriate place. I will always remember an evening when most of the party members had left and three of us remained to be spellbound as Michael and Kay described the alternative theatre world...

i always appreciated the fact that Michael was a substantial donor of Chamber Music America..an excellent organization in the eighties..i received two awards from CMA..that was when i was in my mid thirties..those two awards were significant in my career.

Dear Kay, I just learned this devastating news. I spoke with Michael about 2 months ago and he seemed well and enthusiastic about the future. Please let me help. I'll be in touch. Will talk soon. A big hug and love, Mark

Sincere condolences from all of Milwaukee's EARLY MUSIC NOW audiences with which The WAVERLY CONSORT left irreplaceable memories of Michael & Kay's many concerts here.
Thallis Hoyt Drake, Founder of EMN

We've lost a seminal figure in early music. The scene as it is today is inconceivable without his work.
Judson Griffin

With love and deepest thanks for the many years working with Mike and Kay and all the wonderful music and musicians of the Waverly Consort. My first was 1984 and the last at the final Cloisters Christmas Story in 2017. What a blessing! Thank You Always Mike

Dear Kay,
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I have many lovely memories of you and him, and the times I moonlighted with the Consort. Banging the drum in Tully Hall in particular. I admired Mike's professionalism and his kindness, and treasured his friendship. It has been a long time, but I still feel close to you, and feel the loss keenly.
Richard Taruskin