Michael Stamp Obituary

Michael Stamp, 71, eldest son of Frederick M. Stamp and Irene M. Stamp passed away unexpectedly at home on October 15th. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on June 8, 1951, Michael moved to Santa Cruz in 1973, and, except for a brief move to Pennsylvania in the mid-1980s, remained in Santa Cruz the rest of his life. After graduating from UCSC with degrees in music and philosophy, Michael served for many years in a variety of executive capacities with numerous performing arts organizations including the Santa Cruz Symphony, The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, Tandy Beal and Company, New Music Works, Young at Heart Project, and the Santa Cruz Chamber Players. He also played viola with the Santa Cruz Symphony and Monterey Symphony in the 1980s and early 1990s, and he continued to play with numerous chamber music groups with great joy and dedication—sometimes, to his surprise, even getting paid to do so. Besides his passion for good music in almost every genre, Michael enjoyed reading, sharing delicious food and lively conversation with friends, informed debate, boisterous laughter (he possessed a wicked sense of humor), dancing, and travel including journeys across the USA, two trips to Europe, and a six-week tour of Asia with visits to Hong Kong, Malaysia, Borneo, Brunei, and Thailand. As with all good Santa Cruzans, he loved the outdoors and spent many wonderful hours walking beaches, swimming in the ocean, and discovering wonderful mountain trails and vistas. Michael also battled depression and bipolar disease for most of his life, although most people who knew him had no clue. He greatly valued his privacy and is grateful to the many health professionals who tried to help him live with those afflictions over the years. Michael is survived by his brother, John Stamp (Pam), sisters, Kristen Donewald (Blair) and Kathy Fruggiero, numerous nieces and nephews and their children, and many beloved friends. At his request there will be no memorial service, but donations to the Santa Cruz Chamber Players or other arts organizations of your choice are welcomed. Kindness, compassion for all living things, radical honesty, and love of beauty in all its forms are also greatly encouraged. He asked that we all try our best to do no harm to others and to love and nurture the natural world.

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Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Nov. 6, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Stamp

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9 Entries

Donna Maurillo

November 28, 2022

Oh dear! Did Michael really pass away?? I was just thinking about him a few days ago. (Coincidence? Or a spiritual visit?) Many years ago, we had attended the UCSC performance of the opera "Carmen" and had a great time. I was surprised to find a guy who actually enjoyed opera and knew something about it. Michael was a true gentleman, kind, good-humored, and fun to be with. I also remember him as executive director of the Symphony, a position my partner Gary now holds. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I do hope it was easy and that he was covered in love from his family and friends.

Lisa Eltinge

November 20, 2022

Michael as a groomsman at our wedding in December of 1988.

Lisa Eltinge

November 20, 2022

Say it ain't so. So many of us will miss Michael's nine million great qualities. Natalia, we are with you always.

xo

Jennifer Andrews

November 18, 2022

God bless you neighbor. I miss hearing you playing your music and instruments.

Anna Brooks

November 17, 2022

Remembering better days. Sincere condolences to Michael's loving life partner, Natalia, and all his family and friends.

Phil Collins

November 8, 2022

The passing of Michael Stamp is deeply saddening news. I so much valued and enjoyed our friendship of more than 40 years,. Our working relationship - when he served as General Manager for New Music Works - was often joyful-while-productive.
I am so sorry of Michael's passing, and I hope that his soul rests in peaceful surroundings.
My heartfelt condolences to Natalia Duarte, who loved and supported Michael with profound devotion.

Nancy Kvam

Planted Trees

Nancy Kvam

November 7, 2022

I am deeply saddened to hear that Michael has left our planet. He was always so kind and friendly to everyone he met. I remember when I first arrived in Santa Cruz, he was the Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Symphony. He worked diligently in this role and created a great deal of enthusiasm for the organization and musicians. I also knew him as a violist with the Symphony and in a quartet that I created. We performed at many special occasions and weddings. We always had a great time rehearsing and performing together. I also knew Michael from his directorship contributions to the Santa Cruz Chamber Players. In the past few years, since the pandemic, he assisted the organization so that the concerts could continue in a safe way, so that the music could play on. We will truly miss Michael in our artistic community of Santa Cruz. We appreciate all his efforts to help all the music organizations, dance company, and Young at Heart Project. Rest in Peace, Michael. I will be sending prayers for your fortunate rebirth. To all Michael's family members and close friends, I am sending my heartfelt prayers to you as well.

tandy beal

November 7, 2022

May his family and close friends, and he himself, reach some refuge of peace and solace. And yes, Michael, we will strive to do no harm to others, and to love and cherish this astonishing natural world--thank you and godspeed.

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