The Celebration of Life is scheduled for May 7 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Please RSVP to [email protected] or click the event tab at the top, or the widget at the side.
Natalie Kuzmich, Professor Emeritus of the University of Toronto, passed away at the age of 90 in her home city of Toronto surrounded by her family on January 7 2023. Diagnosed with congestive heart failure and dementia almost two years before her passing, she continued to live with a joy and wit that elucidated her character to her very last days.
She was the only child of poor, immigrant Ukrainian parents, John and Pearl Belz. From an early age she developed a strong work ethic, working in her parents’ restaurant. But she also played the violin and developed a passion for music. She graduated from the faculty of music, which followed with an MA in musicology. She became one of Canada’s premier music educators, first working at Lawrence Park collegiate and winning many local and national accolades for her work with the string program. She moved onto a professorial role at UofT’s faculty of education, and soon after became the chair of the music department.
Her love of teaching and music blazed the way for not just women conductors and music teachers, but also for innovations in music education, including but not limited to the use of improvisation, composition, and the wealth of world music in the classroom, when music education - whether inside or outside the classroom - was primarily limited to the strict conventions of Western Art Music.
As her role as music educator developed, so did her love of fine art and good food - which made her an exquisite chef and host, and a most loved family member and friend. Whether as wife to Michael Kuzmich, whom she survived by 11 years, mother to John and Andrea, mother-in-law to Anne-Marie Borcherding and Shalva Makharashvili, or grandmother to Shalva-Lucas and Gabo Makharashvili, Natalie encourage love, curiosity and critical thought through music, art, good food and drink.
A celebration of life is planned at her home in North York at 49 Abbeywood Trail May 7 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Please RSVP to [email protected]
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Toronto Humane Society or the ALS Society of Canada (or your local equivalent if outside Canada).
Please contribute a story, tribute, memory and/or photograph at the bottom of this page.
|
About |
|---|---|
| Name | Natalie Kuzmich |
| Date of Birth | May 22nd, 1932 |
| Date of Death | January 7th, 2023 |
| Home Town | Toronto, ON, CA |
| In Memoriam Donation | Toronto Humane Society |
| In Memoriam Donation | ALS Society of Canada |
|
Family |
|---|---|
| Children | Andrea Kuzmich, John Kuzmich |
| Parents | John Belz, Pearl Belz |
| Grand-Parents | Anastasia Belz, Anna Worobec, Dimitrius Belz, Nestor Worobec |
Error
Sign in to Keeper:
Send as Guest:
published a tribute .
I came upon Natalie's obituary by accident and was wondering if this could be the Natalie Belz who taught at Earl Haig Collegiate in 1957-58? I was in grade 9 that year and was new to learning the cello. I remember that Ms. Belz was a wonderfully enthusiastic teacher and her strings class accomplished a great deal that year. It was indeed unfortunate that she stayed only that one year at Earl Haig and the next year the remains of that class crumbled. To say that we were shocked and sorry to not see Natalie that next year is certainly an understatement. I am now 80 years of age but I have never forgotten that dynamic year with her. I actually ended my teaching career at Earl Haig after teaching mathematics in North York for 35 years.
1 2
Yes Frank, that was my mom. Thank you for sharing such a vivid memory of her.
published a comment .
Thank you for your very prompt reply Andrea. Had I known of her whereabouts after she left Earl Haig, myself and a few friends from that strings class would have made it a point to pay her a visit. I am truly sorry that I never had the chance to see her again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
In Highschool I would end up going over to Andrea's house alot. As I remember, Natalie (and Michael) were always so gracious with Andrea and John's friends at their house: allowing us to take over the tv room, and for Andrea to play music for us up in her room which was beside Mom and Dads room (i think), there would be treats layed out for us sometimes as well. The big one was we were always in the basement carrying out whatever mischief we had planned for that day, with no micro-managing, Natalie was very cool.
I am sad to say that I am going to miss the Memorial, but I have already held my own little memorial for Natalie and will remember her fondly, I wish her all the best where ever she may be now.
I am pretty sure it is safe to say that Natalie and Michael are proud to leave the Kuzmich legacy to Andrea and John.
My sincere condolences to Natalie's whole family and all her friends, Natalie was wonderful.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Mrs. Kuzmich was my strings teacher throughout UTS. She built and led our chamber strings group, taking us on a memorable tour through Quebec City and various performances around Toronto, and was fearless in introducing computer-based tools to young enthusiasts. She was remarkable for putting up with many of my teenaged shenanigans and, equal parts judicious and frank, had a real impact on my development and those, I know, of many of my classmates. My sincere condolences.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Last week, the week of April 17, 2023 was the 60th anniversary of the Lawrence Park orchestra's trip to the Maritimes to play at the Music Teacher's convention. What a special trip - first plane ride, first trip down East..... Natalie's hard work with us all made it happen - we were the best!!!! For me, the orchestra was the highlight of high school...without it I might well have quit school!!! Decades later, I still love classical music and can almost sing along with Dvorak's 9th - it was out signature piece the year of our Maritime trip. I still see certain people playing instruments when I hear that piece!!!!
That Natalie went on to bigger and better things after LPCI shows what a wonderful musician and teacher she was. Condolences to you all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
My mom and dad were the very best of lifelong friends with Natalie and Michael. I remember visiting many times while growing up. Natalie was always the most gracious, sophisticated, kind, and worldly hostess imaginable. The conversation was always lively and engaging. My condolences to John and Andrea and the entire family on a very great loss.
Thank you so much for your thoughts David. Our parents were lifelong dear friends. The dearest. I love so much those pictures with your parents. Such a pure delight in their smiles! And how much she talked of events hosted by your family - especially Robbie Burns day. We were also so upset to hear of the passing of your dad and then mom. Anyway, thanks again for your message. I hope we see you, Lauriel and family on the 4th.
Dear David, I just want to be sure you know of the new date for Natalie's Celebration of Life: May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. It would mean a lot to have you, Lauriel and your families with us. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Dear Andrea, John and Family of Natalie,
I am writing to send you condolences at the death of the beautiful Natalie.
I was her colleague at the University of Toronto and know what a fabulous musician and teacher she was. She inspired and supported so many students in her time and she was a kind and supportive colleague also.
May flights of angels sing her to her rest and may she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Mary Beattie
1 2
Dear Mary, we sincerely hope you will join us for Natalie's Celebration of life on May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page - also lists her address) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Mrs Kuzmich was my string teacher at Lawrence Park. She was wonderful. She absolutely changed my life. She recommended that I go to the National Youth Orchestra when I was 14. That lead to me being a bassist with the Toronto Symphony. A career which I loved. And she takes full credit. Needless to say I thank her for that.
1 3
Oh wow! I had no idea. How wonderful. Were you in that photo I posted of Lawrence Park? Thanks so much for sharing this. It's really wonderful to hear about her. If you ever find any pics or have a story you want to share, at any time you can come back here and write about it or post it. ❤️
published a comment .
Many of the students in the 60s cohorts went on to become professional musicians (often string players) and/or teachers--Mary Lou Fallis, Jane Mcadam, Leslie Snider, Janet Auger, Joanne Brawley, Joan Sutherland, myself, and lots of other names that escape me....We wouldn't have had those lives if Natalie Kuzmich or one of her LP colleagues (John Baron, Dawson Woodburn) hadn't launched us. She was followed by Jim Coles and then John McDougall, both superlative music educators, who carried on her passion for teaching us. We were SO lucky!!!!
Dear Jane and Christine
thanks again for your contributions to Natalie's memorial page. We hope you will join us for Natalie's Celebration of Life on May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. And please let others who may be interested know. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page - her address is also listed there) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Firstly my condolences to the family of Nalalie or as I called her Prof KuzmichNatalie was my mentor at the Faculty of Education U of T in 1968-1969 and what a glorious ride she provided. Her classes were creative and as students we never knew what to expect BUT whatever was delivered could be used in our classes, She was an inspiration to all of us in our class and I had an amazing career in Mus Ed and am still coaching in my church in Oakville as well as the Tempus Choral Society. I had trouble with one of my positions as a student teacher and she came and smoothed things out..All in all an amazing pillar in music educationThank you Natalie and blessings to the family at this difficult time!Brian
1 1
Dear Brian, I hope you will be able to join us at Natalie's Celebration of Life on May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Thank you Professor Kuzmich for making me a better music educator. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace and love.
1 4
published a comment .
I have a lot of happy memories of and with Natalie. I could remember vividly some of our explorations of known restaurants in Toronto for lunch ... with me as the driver who had to go round the town to arrive at the place eventually while we were laughing our heads off. We used to take our for lunch our favorite colleagues. In staff meetings of all places, we turned a bit crazy in being spontaneous "giggling partners" ... finding something funny in most of what were being discussed and usually being debated on. We were able to get away with this awful behavior by not being called to the Dean's Office! I miss Natalie, the only colleague I truly had a wonderful time at FEUT in whatever situations we found ourselves in. May her soul finds eternal repose.
published a comment .
Fond memories of Prof. Kuzmich introducing me to the cello during my days at UTS. My thoughts are with you and your family.
published a comment .
I had no contact with Natalie after 1964. I realize that this comment depressingly dates me. What strikes me, reading her obituary and thinking back on my own life, is what a strong, vigorous, and enormous personality she already was by the age of 30, when I first met her. The LPCI orchestras, which she was conducting, were already winning most of the Kiwanis competitions, in a city as full of teen-age talent as Toronto, even in the early 1960s. I was in 9H at LPCI in 1962, and compelled to take strings as an option. I had not expected this. A couple of my friends recommended that I choose cello, so in fear and trembling I asked Mrs. Kuzmich if this would be okay. She thought my hand was too small, but said that she would grudgingly allow it. Our classes were never dull or disorderly, and in some rudimentary fashion we made music. I too ended up becoming an educator, but cannot imagine having ever been able to assert control over 32 little adolescents who had never played an instrument before in the way that Mrs. Kuzmich did in 1962. Her favourite expression was 'You DIZZY DOUGHHEADS, get that bow on the STRING!!' When she was really angry, she would throw something. To my surprise, at the end of that year I mustered my courage and again approached her in fear and trembling. Did she think I had what it took to continue in strings and join the junior orchestra? When she replied 'I am proud of the way you have come along - my answer is Yes,' I thought that I would faint. So I continued in strings, and in Grade Ten Mrs Kuzmich was our English teacher as well as our orchestra leader. We were in ninth period English class in late November 1963, when she walked in a bit late and told us that President Kennedy had been killed. 'He was our only hope,' she added ominously. We were stunned. We knew about the Cold War and the fact that we could have died as a result of the Cuban Missile Crisis, but I don't think anything had prepared most of us for a violent crime like this. We were stunned again a few months later to find out that Mrs. Kuzmich would be leaving LPCI at the end of the school year and, that when our class graduated to the senior orchestra, she would no longer be the orchestra's leader. Four of us from our class took it upon ourselves to find her the perfect going away present. We only had one afternoon to do this, and were all exceedingly strong personalities. I cannot emphasize this enough. For some reason it was my zany idea that won out - a pair of finches in a cage. So, I got to be the student to interrupt class proceedings the next day with the announcement of this bizarre presentation. I wish someone had been there to take a photo of the look on Natalie Kuzmich's face when she saw what we had decided to give her. I only remember seeing her once after that day. Three or four of us went to her house one evening in June or July, and were served French pastries, procured by Michael. From small things that Natalie said that evening, I got the impression that she liked the finches, and this fact gladdened my heart. It goes without saying that I never forgot her. I did not go on in cello after Grade 13, but what I learned most, and first, from Natalie Kuzmich was that when you were a teacher you did that in the best way by allowing yourself to be yourself. That if you developed the courage to speak in your own voice, you would give a gift to yourself, and - more importantly - to those of your students who were listening to you. My condolences to John, Andrea, and families. I have an idea of how much your lives were blessed.
Dear Deborah, and Dave, Conchita and Meg
We are so grateful for your memories of our mom. These narratives are so fascinating since she kept her career and work so separate from family life. Even after she retired, she never reflected on it with us. We hope you will join us for her Celebration of Life on May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natalie was my music professor at the Fac of Ed in 1991. I really enjoyed working with her and learned much from her. I'm so sorry to hear that she has passed. Condolences to her family.
1 1
Thanks Mary Anne, we hope you will join us for Natalie's Celebration of Life on May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
I'm very sorry to hear about Professor Kuzmich's passing. She was fierce, passionate, and inspiring. I remember being assigned to Strings in high school, and choosing to learn the cello after she (very accurately) described it as 'the sexiest instrument'. I was a lousy cellist, but man I loved playing in her class. I can vividly picture Professor Kuzmich's hands as she played. What a force of nature! My condolences to Andrea and the rest of the family.
1 3
Thank you so much for this memory. She was fierce - to her very last days : ) <3
published a comment .
As a horn-playing student at LPCI's greatest rival (North Toronto Collegiate) I knew of Natalie Kuzmich by reputation long before she became my own teacher at the College of Education:) At the Faculty of Music back in the 1960's, we were taught for 4 years by older White men - all of them dedicated and gifted in their way - but all of them men. Just imagine the impact of a fiercely passionate and dedicated young teacher like Natalie! She left an indelible mark on me and although I taught music for only a short time I have thought of her often through the years, always with affection and a great sense of gratitude. My condolences to all her family. May she be at peace.
Dear Nancy, it's lovely to read your memories of our mom. She kept her work very separate from family, so it's an intrigue to learn about it now. We sincerely hope you will join us for her Celebration of Life on May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
I had the good fortune of playing in Mrs. Kuzmich’s UTS strings class in the 1980s. One of my happiest musical memories is playing Eine Kleine Nachtmusik in a string quartet with classmates who remain close friends. She made sure her students had exposure to all the pleasures of making music together in chamber and in smaller groups. She taught with great vitality and colourful expression, and it is in no small measure due to Mrs. Kuzmich that I still pick up my violin today. My deep condolences to her family and friends. She will always be an inspiration.
1 1
Dear Urusla, we hope you will have a chance to join us for Natalie's Celebration of Life on May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Natalie was truly larger than life - she was passionate, energetic, demanding and encouraging. I could not have had a better role model when I attended OISE and had the good fortune to work with her. She prepared me well for my teaching career at UTS. I was so lucky to be exposed to an alternative approach to music education, one based on creativity, problem-solving, and critical research and thought. This surpassed the traditional idea of simply rehearsing the music in your folder and learning a little music theory in the process.
As a music teacher at UTS, I also knew Natalie as a colleague. She was very supportive of me as a new teacher, facing a variety of challenges. It was always wonderful to catch up with her at a variety of UTS functions.
The loss of such a presence will be deeply felt by your entire family. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
1 1
Dear Judith I wanted to be sure you knew that we rescheduled Natalie's Celebration for Life for May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Aunt Natalie, my namesake studied music and went on a trip with my Mom to Europe when they were in university. I love the story of them on someone's vespa or motorbike not knowing Italian and saying Piano Pianissimo to slow down. Natalie was a loving aunt to me, always a tenderness and loving force but also super opinionated. I loved when Aunt Natalie spoke about a performance or an Opera with such discerning and exacting perspective. I also loved her ribs at Christmas and her Mom's pirogies and being at the cottage with her and Uncle Mike. I still miss Christmas with the Kuzmichs , dancing at the cottage to Harry Belafonte. I"m sorry for your loss John and Andrea, Gigi is too.
1 3
published a comment .
John and Andrea I don't know how to login to the memorial or celebration of life or to RSVP find out when the event is - I hope we can be there with you.
Natalie - we have had to postpone the memorial because we got sick with Covid. We will be updating the date and time, hopefully by next week.
Dear Natalie, we have rescheduled mom's Celebration of Life for May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
My late friend Jim Stewart and I were both first violinists in the Earl Haig string orchestra when Natalie Belz arrived to take us on. She was young, very pretty and passionate about music. She demanded total commitment from us and most of us gave it, I still remember, however, the tongue-lashing she gave to slackers. One bass player, especially, sat with a foolish grin on his face as she demanded that he get serious, In the end we all adored her because we knew that she wanted the best for us.
My condolences to Andrea and the rest of the family.
1 5
Brian! So lovely to read. Thanks for sharing these memories .. And I have memories of you, Jim and Kathleen talking about my mom, with such spirit and fun. I think there was even something about a chair in the air...? I hope we will see you and Kathleen on Feb 4.
published a comment .
Miss Belz was not only responsible for introducing us to fine instrumental music. She played it beautifully herself for all of us.
A strings teacher has to persuade the tallest fourteen year olds in a starting class to learn the bass...and like it.
She made that happen with three tall, hormonal and indifferent boys.
Not me. I had a cello to learn to play ... And I had to drag it through the snow and learn the intro. to “Scipio Africanus” at home, which I did. But then came the concert and I had no endpiece. They were all made out of plywood with holes drilled in them but there wasn’t one for me.
So here’s Miss Belz leaving the stage behind a quivering curtain and looking high and low for an endpiece for me and the show about to begin. No luck.
“Wing it, McKen. Turn the bow upside down, hold it in your fist and the cello between your knees.
Then pretend you’re playing. But don’t touch the strings.”
published a comment .
Natalie was my first Canadian friend when I arrived in Toronto in1954 from England. We met when attending the Ontario College of Education that September. I was a cellist and we formed a trio with a pianist student and had a lot of fun playing together and accompanying the production of "The Gondoliers" Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. She introduced me to her parents and made me feel welcome as a musician in Canada.
Dear folks (Jean Grieve, Fraser Mcken, and Brian), I want to be sure you know that her memorial for SAT FEB 4 is CANCELLED. My brother and I have come down with covid and have had to reschedule. We will post a new date in the EVENTS TAB at the top fo the page sometime next week. (Also thank you so much for your memories, we are grateful for them. )
Dear Jean, Fraser, and Brian - we want to be sure you know of the new date for Natalie's Celebration of Life and sincerely hope you will attend. It's on May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Miss Belz was my Gr. 9 English teacher at Earl Haig. Our affectionate name for her was " Belzie". She introduced Shakespeare to us and that year we read "The Merchant of Venice" . In it is the passage "How sweet the moonlight" . It was set to music by Ralph V. Williams and is one of my favourite choral works to sing. Thank you, Miss Belz for enriching my life. Pat Hartman
1 4
Pat, what a great photo!! Thank you so much for uploading it. what year was that? Also, thanks for sharing "Belzie" and your lovely memories. Please check out our celebrations of life we have planned, in person at her North York home next week and virtual later in March.
published a comment .
I am wondering if it is still possible to join the virtual meeting on March 11. I just tried to do so, and was asked for my password, which I had not yet been assigned. There are at least three of us from Natalie's time at LPCI in the 1960s who would like to join this. We know that things may have been complicated by the recent COVID in your family, and send you our best wishes for your speedy and total recoveries from it.
Dear Deborah, the covid infections have affected both the virtual and in person memorials. We hope to have new dates settled by next week. Please check back then.
Dear Deborah, I wanted to be sure you knew of the new date for Natalie's Celebration of Life, on May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
I was very fortunate to have had Natalie Kuzmich as my music teacher for 5 years at Lawrence park Collegiate from 1960-1965. In grade 9,I was placed in the enrichment class and thus was able to have both music and art. I remember one of my classmates, a very talented artist, was assigned the violin. She struggled valiantly with her instrument but at the end of the year , chose to continue in art. Although this was the best choice for her, Natalie Kuzmich had made such impression on her that she was very tearful at the parting of the ways.
Another close friend played the trumpet prior to entering high school and also was assigned the violin in this class. She quit the band and the trumpet in order to continue in the orchestra with our favourite teacher - Mrs. Kuzmich.
I'm sure that many orchestra rehearsals were very frustrating for Natalie and very occasionally her temper got the better of her and she would throw a violin bow at the miscreant!
We all loved to listen to her play any of the string instruments but I particularly loved to hear her play the cello.
We often talk about those early morning rehearsals for the annual Kiwanis competitions... we were all determined to score higher than our arch rival , North Toronto orchestra! What an achievement when we succeeded in defeating them and were invited to perform at Massey Hall at the Stars of the Festival!
One particular honour that I recall was being invited by Natalie to come back from university to play with the LPCI orchestra in the fall of 1965 at the grand opening of the new Toronto City Hall. All orchestra members who had graduated in June 1965 were asked to come back and augment the orchestra for this special performance and we were delighted to have the opportunity once again to be under the direction of our favourite conductor.
My high school music experience was one of the highlights of y 5 years at LPCI and this was largely due to Natalie Kuzmich. My 4 children were all encouraged to participate in high school music throughout their high school years and my husband and I have always been active in the music parents organizations of their schools... once again largely due to the impact Natalie had on me during my high school years.
She was a wonderful , enthusiastic and passionate teacher and an extremely talented musician and contributed so much to the lives of her students. I am grateful to have had her in my life.
published a comment .
One of the (few) nice things about Mrs. Kuzmich's passing is that it has brought together many of us who were students at LPCI during the early 60s. I have said many times that school was incredible in so many ways. Nice to see your name again, Gail! ..........
Dear Gail - it really is so wonderful for my brother and I to learn of our mother's work - accomplishments she didn't readily share with us. We sincerely hope you will join us for Natalie's Celebration of Life on May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Natalie Kuzmich … fondly remembered
I was the ‘concert master’ pictured in your LPCI orchestra photo, a relished chair that I proudly held for many years under the baton of Natalie Kuzmich.
For impressionable students and colleagues alike, Natalie was a role model of highly self disciplined and dedicated behaviour. She set high standards for all of us and would often choose orchestral music that was a ‘stretch’ for all levels of music students. The music festival challenges with great competition from North Toronto Collegiate and others, heightened our spirits and drive for perfection. As high school students ,the orchestra tours, travels and billeting (Moncton, NB) created life long cherished memories.
Ongoing there is a Friday ‘zoom ‘ group of LPCI attendees from that era who often reference Natalie and her gift of a lasting appreciation for life and music. The Dvorak New World Symphony was one of our greatest achievements.
Natalie was very kind and considerate to me personally. On several occasions over the past 50+ years, I have called her and reminded her of the enduring impression and so very positive imprint that she has made on my life.
Grant
A Grant Lawford MD CCFP LM
Awesome! Was that your checkered jacket or the schools? Funny thing is i just happened to find that pic on FB, when I did a search for "Natalie Kuzmich" I think the Vintage Toronto page - but i was just at her house and found another nice shot from that photo shoot ;) I'll share it later.
published a comment .
And that is me inside, second desk, sitting behind you Grant. What memories. We had a fantastic orchestra. We really did.
Dear Grant and Edgar
I want to be sure you know the new date for Natalie's Celebration of Life. It will mean a lot to have you there and share more of your memories... and maybe some music too. It's on May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page - her home address is there too) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Your mom was one of the major reasons I didn’t drop out of high school.
Music and English and biology were the only subjects I enjoyed. All my best friends were fellow orchestra members. Your mom demanded excellence from us, and we rose to the occasion. She was eccentric, temperamental and prone to temper tantrums. On the other side I remember her cramming three or four of us, with our instruments, into her Volkswagen Beetle to get to Kiwanis competitions . She was a brilliant educator, but also someone I loved and respected.
She was a force to be reckoned with, as I’m sure you know well.
I’m sad that her candle has been blown out, but she will be remembered well by many many students she taught over her long career.
Joan Harman
Dear Joan, we hope you will join us for Natalie’s Celebration of Life on May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. It is so powerful to hear yours and others’ memories of her - we are learning things we did not know of our mother. So of course, we would love to meet you and have you share more memories. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Prof. Kuzmich ran the strings program for the University of Toronto Schools, the high school in the other half of the Faculty of Education's building. Having played the cello in primary school, Prof. Kuzmich arranged for me, along with a few other students with prior experience, to hang out in her office, working on more advanced pieces. She'd drop in now and then to offer coaching and advice. And she had us compose music -- I remember writing a canon in one of the less common modes. Later, she would conduct the larger group with such passion and verve. She was one of my most memorable teachers. Condolences to all of her family.
1 5
Thank you Donald. What lovely memories to share. If you are in Toronto, please consider joining us on Feb 4 for her Celebration of Life.
published a comment .
I was blessed to have Mrs. Kuzmich as my LPCI Gd 9 string teacher. Though it was for only that one year, her impact was profound. I fought her to get my viola, but then she introduced us beautifully and was so supportive, clear and encouraging. If I hadn't played viola, I wouldn't have had my whole freelance performing life, and future music teaching career. Oh, my, so many vivid memories of Mrs. Kuzmich in the LP music room (the ancient one with wooden riser floors, and annoying obstructive pillars, down in the basement). Her clarity as a conductor. Her exacting technical demands. Her joy in music well played. Her wit, passion, and verve indeed... and her spunk, her intensity--such a spitfire!
I was sad to see her leave LPCI but proud that she joined OISE. Years later we reconnected somewhat, speaking by phone from time to time. Always a pleasure to hear her thoughts and her voice, which will be sorely missed.
To the whole Kuzmich family, please know that my tears join yours.
Dear folks Donald and Christine, I want to be sure you know that her memorial for SAT FEB 4 is CANCELLED. My brother and I have come down with covid and have had to reschedule. We will post a new date in the EVENTS TAB at the top fo the page sometime next week. (And thank you again for your memories, we are so grateful for them. )
published a comment .
Well, said, Christie. As you know, I also had Mrs. Kuzmich as my Grade 9 string teacher (her last year at LPCI, I believe). Although it was only for a year, she made a huge impression on me. I was greatly inspired (and at times terrified) by her passion for music. Her love of music was always so visible and deep. She cared about it so much! Just seeing that was an education.
Dear folks, Donald, Christine and Vince, your words are so beautiful. It’s so interesting and heartwarming for us, her children, to learn about how she impressed. We would love for you to join us on May 7, 2-5pm to Celebrate Natalie’s life - and for your to share more memories. It will happen in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
It was with deep sadness we learned of Natalie's passing.
She was a dear friend and colleague sharing many of our early years together and enjoying our families flourish.
We extend our most sincere condolences to you and your families.
Thinking of You.
Donald and Nadia Wasilenko
published a comment .
I am wondering if there is a connection. I was introduced to the violin at Bedford Park public school and took private lessons from a Mr Wasilenko who lived just north of the 401 off Bathurst. I know that he was good friends with Natalie at that time. So many lasting memories of such wonderful people.
I have truly been warmed by so many LPCI music students who have acknowledged our loss.
My heartfelt sympathy for all of Natalie's friends and family.
Dear Don, Nadia and Grant
We hope you will be able to celebrate Natalie’s life with us, at her North York home, on May 7, 2-5pm. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
My name is Mary Ann Fratia (Lucas). I had the pleasure of having Natalie as my Music instructor for the I/S course in my B.Ed. 1980-1981. Larger than life is how I have always remembered Natalie - her passion for music and education, for students, for teacher-candidates. Her knowledge was immense, her approach unique and her commitment was deep for music educators and music education. I remember the musical we all produced together (No Space Like Home in March of 1981).... such fun and such great opportunities for leadership for all of us, from writing the play and music, conducting, directing, lighting etc.
It was always one of my dreams to teach in the same room in the old FEUT building and I had that opportunity to teach in this room and use her side office when I would teach Music AQ/ABQs in the summer - such an honour. I always thought of her as I entered and exited that room, and still do. She and Michael were invited to my wedding to Sal Fratia on July 7, 1984 and only she could attend as I remember, Michael was not well. She also brought with her a beautiful book of poetry, The Song of Solomon that I still cherish to this day reading the inscription. Rest in peace dear, dear Professor. You have meant a lot to me over the years Natalie, I will never forget. xo
1 1
Dear Marry Ann
Thank you for your beautiful words. We greatly appreciate your memories and would love to hear more. I hope you will be able to join us at her Celebration of Life now scheduled for May 7 2-5 pm in her North York home. You can RSVP from this sight (see the events tab at the top of the page) or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
My name is Glaiza, the full-time caregiver of Natalie. I have been with her for almost two years and have had many memorable moments with her. I've seen her as a very strong and intelligent person with a big heart. She was an amazing human being, an amazing teacher, and an amazing mentor who always motivated me to give my best. Even my hours are for work, and I should look for her instead she wants me to first finish studying and do my assignments before looking after her. That’s how I see that education is very important to her. She was happy to see people who are striving for their goals. She was my no.1 supporter and I felt how she cares for me. All the lessons she taught me will be with me always. I am very grateful to be part of her journey.
Thanks, John and Andrea.
1 1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Rest in Peace, dear Natalie! Thank you for bringing to us Andrea!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Mrs Kuzmich was my music teacher at Lawrence Park Collegiate. my parents moved to the school district as i entered Grade 10. i had Elmer Iseler as a music teacher the year before. this meant that Mrs Kuzmich paid special attention to me because she was very competitive with Elmer. i was not a good cellist. In grade 13 most of us no longer took music as that would not be a subject for University. She kept track of me and congratulated me on my success in maths and sciences. i remembered her very fondly, she was a great teacher.
1 2
Wow. I had no idea she competed with Elmer Iseler. Thanks for this context - about her competitiveness and her continued interest in you. And congrats on your math and science success! ; ) Hopefully we will have the chance to meet at her in person or virtual Celebrations of Life.
Dear David, I want to be sure you know that her memorial for SAT FEB 4 is CANCELLED. My brother and I have come down with covid and have had to reschedule. We will post a new date in the EVENTS TAB at the top fo the page sometime next week.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
What a remarkable musician, teacher, and human being. More than a pioneer, she was a driving force in Canadian music education for decades. She gave many of us our musical futures. I am deeply grateful to have been launched on my string instrument by her. Will never forget the moment when she said "okay, go ahead, use your bow" and we all drew the bows across the strings for the first time. Deep condolences to the whole family.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a comment .
Read More