The violinist and violist was a long-time member of the Chineke! Orchestra
The death has been announced of British violinist and violist Blaize Henry, around the time of his 34th birthday.
Henry was born in Bromley in south-east London in 1992 to Guyanese parents. He began learning the violin at the age of seven and went on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music with Steve Wilkie. He performed in masterclasses with teachers including Pavel Fischer, Yair Kless and Gina McCormack.
As a junior fellow of the Pro Corda International Chamber Music Academy, he served as a teacher, adjudicator, chamber music coach and conductor. As a chamber musician, he performed at venues including Cadogan Hall, the Cardiff Millennium Centre, and at the Aldeburgh Festival.
Henry collaborated with the Orleans House Gallery for its 2021 exhibition Brow of a God / Jaw of a Devil, composing the 45-minute semi-improvisational work Beyond the River in response to the archival material. He also appeared on the album Free & Equal Vol.1, the first record produced by Studio Richter Mahr, which raised funds for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).
Henry was a long-time member of the Chineke! Orchestra, and also appeared in the 15th issue of LV The Book in 2022 as part of the orchestra’s collaboration with fashion company Louis Vuitton, modelling designs by Virgil Abloh.
The Chineke! Orchestra paid tribute to the violinist on social media:
‘The Chineke! family is heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Blaize Henry, a violinist, a long time member of our orchestra, and a spirit unlike any other.
‘Blaize brought something irreplaceable to every stage he graced. An unguarded joy, a deep and unmistakable authenticity, and a pride in his Blackness that was worn openly, beautifully, and without apology. He played his violin boldly, and always with passion. He lived the same way.
‘To have shared some of the world’s finest concert halls with him was a privilege we will not forget. We hold his family and loved ones close in our thoughts. Blaize will be deeply, dearly missed.’
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