It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of David Darling, co-founder of Music for People (MfP). The GRAMMY Award-winning cellist died peacefully at home on Friday, surrounded by members of his family. He leaves behind a rich tradition in innovative expression, musical exploration and community building. As a performer, composer and teacher, David impacted countless lives worldwide, always encouraging us to ignite the creative spark from within. As one of the graduates of MfP’s MLP program said: “David saw the beauty in each of us and then sent us out to give others permission to make and share their own beautiful music.”
Please keep David’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this time. We are working with them to establish a memorial scholarship fund, honoring David’s contributions while carrying his legacy forward to future generations. Details about how you can help will be available soon.
David will not receive a public burial, but we are planning a celebration of his life for friends and members of MfP. Until then, please visit the site for Thurston Rowe Funeral Home to view David’s obituary and send an online condolence.
Now and always, we must come together in love and support. “In improvisation as in life,” David wrote, “we are responsible for the vibrations we send one another.”