Reflections on the occasion of our Founder’s Birthday
Amelia S. Haygood would’ve turned 94 today. Sad Fate may have taken her from us in 2007… but the Delos label, her crowning achievement in life, remains her beloved cultural “baby” – her cherished legacy to the world. And her spirit, founding principles, and personal goals continue to guide Delos’ mission and functions as its destiny unfolds. The unique musical standards and ideals that she established – as well as the many friends and supporters that such qualities have earned us – have not only insured Delos’ survival, but enabled us to face the future with confident optimism, and from a position of strength. What boundless pride and satisfaction Amelia would have derived upon seeing her baby turn 40 this year – with her spirit still firmly “in charge” as its main guiding force.
Let me briefly remind you what Amelia’s “guiding force” is all about. For one, it was her determination, right from the start, to provide recording platforms to distinguished American musicians who otherwise lacked them: a policy that has given many hundreds of domestic artists the international exposure they deserve. Since Amelia began Delos’ collaboration with Maestro Constantine Orbelian, this priceless benefit has been extended to many Russian artists as well. Beyond that, her studies in psychoacoustics and the physics of music led to her passion for cutting-edge recording technologies, hence Delos’ continuing reputation as a pioneering audiophile label. Also a former clinical psychologist, Amelia was always in touch with the therapeutic and developmental values of great music, leading
– among other things – to the world’s most varied and extensive series of classical recordings for young people.
Incidentally, as we tip our hat to Amelia’s cherished memory, we are especially delighted to offer impending recordings of all-American art songs by the brilliant young tenor, Kyle Bielfield: stopping by (DE 3445) in September; this will be preceded by a single, change partners (DE 2101) in August (see below). Amelia would’ve been particularly thrilled with these recordings, as she had a “thing” for tenors: her husband was one!
So then, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMELIA! May your inextinguishable spirit continue to guide Delos well beyond 40, into vibrant and healthy “old age” and beyond!
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