In Memoriam: Mich Steacy (1951-2005)

Tomorrow morning I'll meet up at St. Ignatius with 50–100 other singers to honor the life of Micheline Steacy, an old friend and close colleague. She lay down to take a nap last Tuesday afternoon, in preparation for an evening rehearsal with the SF Symphony Chorus. She didn't wake up. She was 53 and, as far as anyone knew, in fine health. I'm told she suffered a heart attack.

I met Mich within weeks of my moving to San Francisco, and I owe her just about every singing job I got in my first couple years of living here. She was a model to me in so many ways: She was unflappable, professional, resourceful, funny, energetic, energizing, empathetic. She knew everyone, and everyone knew Mich. More impressively, Mich figured out a way to get along with everyone, in turn everyone got along with her.

Plus, the girl could sing! Working with her taught me what having technique really means. I don't think I ever heard her stymied by anything that was put in front of her—even when she was sight-reading. She had a lovely instrument with a crystalline tone and power to back it up. But she was never singing just to hear her own voice; she always sang to make music.

During the time I knew her, Mich was doing a lot of professional choral work, from the Symphony Chorus to chamber choirs like the SF Choral Artists. Though she was the cantor at St. Ignatius, she also sang as part of the pro choral octet there. It's funny now to look back, and realize that I hadn't a clue how lucky I was to be singing things like the Byrd Mass for 5 Voices with someone as talented as Mich in my first church job in this city! Working with her forced me to raise the bar for myself, and changed my expectations of myself as an ensemble singer.

But she could also let loose as a soloist: I remember in particular a gorgeous performance she gave of Barber's Knoxville: Summer of 1915, despite a having a total clown on the podium. The orchestra was completely falling apart, but Mich kept spinning out her lovely lines, unfazed and committed. She was an extraordinary musician: I wish every instrumentalist who has ever looked down their nose at a singer could have met Mich.

I'll miss you, Mich. Thanks for being so generous with me in so many ways. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. We'll do some of the Faure Requiem for you tomorrow, and also the Stanford Beati Quorum Via. I hear Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen from the Brahms Requiem is also planned. Hope you like it!

If you knew Mich, come by SI at 10am on Monday. If you're also a singer, we're gathering at 8:15. If you want to hear a little snippet of Mich singing (not the best example ever, but it's OK), click here. A short excerpt from her Chronicle obituary follows.

Steacy, Micheline Oi Ling - Beloved wife and mother, passed away suddenly and peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 8, 2005 at the age of 53.  Born in Honolulu, HI, Micheline attended Sacred Heart Convent Elementary School and Sacred Heart Academy High School. She came to San Francisco in 1969 to attend the University of San Francisco, and attain a BA in English in 1973, there she met her husband of 30 years, Patrick Steacy. Mich is survived by husband Patrick and their children Micaela, Tony and Michael. ...

Micheline had a naturally talented voice that lifted spirits and brought tears of joy to all who heard her sing. Her children claimed she had the most beautiful voice in the world, one that could, "make God cry." Micheline credits years of study after college with voice teachers, such as Fred Ewing, to giving her professional control while maintaining her naturally beautiful sound. Mich was also a natural advisor and confidante, essentially a mother or big sister, to everyone she met. Micheline’s warm personality allowed people to feel better after talking to her and if they took her advice go on with their lives in an enriched way. ...

Funeral mass will be said on Monday, February 14th [at 10AM] at Saint Ignatius Church and followed by a reception.

Comments

[Lisa Hirsch]

I am so sorry. Such a loss, for you personally, and for so many others, and for music.

[Greta]

These are some really fitting tributes for Mich. Thanks for really crystalizing what we all felt about her. I also feel lucky to have worked with her (and you). She really taught me what it means to be a pro - she set the standard I'm always aiming for both musically and personally.

[Rhys Cheung]

I'm in SFSC too, but I can't figure out who you are. I bumped into this blog while doing a search on Mich.

[Miki]

I just did a random google search on my parents (bored) and found your blog entry. Thank you! Who are you?