JULIO RACINE

FEBRUARY 4, 1945 – OCTOBER 11, 2020

The wonderful Haitian composer, conductor, flutist, teacher, mentor, counselor and model to so many, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2020. We grieve for his wife, for his children and grandchildren, for his many friends, colleagues and students and we are so grateful that our hearts were touched by his generous and loving spirit.

What follows are remembrances from a number of colleagues and former students who knew Julio Racine both from his days as the long-time conductor of the Holy Trinity Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestre Philharmonique Sainte Trinite) in Port-au-Prince and later, after his retirement in the United States.

His influence on the development of Haitian art music is incalculable and his departure leaves an enormous void.

Bon Travese Mèt Julio.

Magloire CasimirYesterday was a very sad day in the history of Haitian music, for we lost one of the pillars of our community, Julio Racine. As an accomplished musician, educator, conductor and composer, for many decades Julio has set an example for younger generations to follow. Under his leadership, the Holy Trinity Orchestra rose to its highest level, and opened doors to so many of its students that enabled them to pursue careers in music that otherwise would never have been possible. He truly changed many lives for the better, and we will always have the good memories of our time spent together. We send our condolences to his wife Nina, my beloved first viola teacher, and family. Julio, we'll miss you!

With love,
Magloire

Michael Casimir offers this musical tribute: Schubert Litany

Ricard Casimir

I remember Julio so fondly – we all do. During our time together at Holy Trinity, at an early stage, he has always tried to convey to us by his words, by his actions, and unspoken intent, that we were part of something unique, something special, even historic. I feel grateful now for this guidance because it helped shape my life as a person and as a musician.

Back then everyone referred to him as maître Racine. I still do, and I say today: maître Racine, rest in peace, you will sorely be missed by your extended family at Holy Trinity.

Much love and Blessing,
Richard

John Jost

I consider knowing Julio Racine to be one of the highlights of my life. Julio was an extraordinary musician, deftly leading the Orchestre Philharmonique Sainte Trinité for around 25 years, providing support and inspiration for generations of Haitian music students, arranging folk melodies for singers and composing striking original works for orchestra, and playing the flute beautifully; a strong, visionary administrator for one of the most highly respected vocational schools in Haiti; a brilliant electronics technician, as witnessed by the piles of radios and electronic devices friends would leave in his office for repairs; a patriot, as proven by his decision to return to Haiti, work with Haitian institutions, and raise his family there in spite of opportunities to remain in the U.S. after completing university studies in Louisville; and, perhaps most importantly, a loyal family man and friend. His legacy continues in the scores of Haitian musicians working professionally in Haiti, the U.S, and other countries; in the many Haitian musicians who have started music teaching programs throughout the country of Haiti; and in several young Haitian composers writing music to reflect the vibrancy and color of their country. I always trusted Julio’s wisdom and advice, and, along with his family and many, many friends, I will miss him greatly.

Canes Nicolas

As a kid who grew up in the backyard of Sainte Trinite, watching the Holy Trinity Philharmonic Orchestra rehearse and perform was literally what began my career as a musician, and Julio was the architect of my aspiration. He was such a fervent conductor and musician, but I think his greatest trait was his ability to encourage and motivate people. I remember during my doctoral studies, as I was working on my thesis, I reached out to him to ask him about Werner Jaegerhuber's Messe Folklorique Haitienne and Haitian folk music in general, and what I thought was going to be a one-time conversation ended up being a friendship. He told me to call him whenever I needed help and he would also call me if he didn't hear from me. He became one of my most reliable advisors.

After I completed my studies, he called me and told me that I'm no longer just another Haitian conductor, but rather an advocate for Haitian music, and that mission is still driving me today. I know that he's now gone, but he will never be forgotten. He truly was one of the pioneers of Haitian music and culture.

Jean Rudy Perrault

A poto-mitan has fallen, Haiti has lost a giant of music! Generations of musicians, me included, have benefited from his teaching, musicianship, knowledge, wisdom, friendship, mentorship, and gentle soul. He was a national treasure, his legacy IS all of us Haitian musicians. He will be greatly missed by all.

Nadine Perrault

I am so grateful that I was able to reconnect with Julio during the COVID time. My flute fell from a shelf and was partly broken. I was desperate …. in quarantine in a country in West Africa, where instruments repair shops are something unknown. I called Julio. We spent hours over the phone during the whole month of April. I don’t recall how many times we were interrupted, and our calls fell due to bad internet connection. But Julio patiently walked me through the process of dismantling and reassembling my flute. Something I had never done and never thought I would be able to do. And it worked. During these hours we spoke about many things, his projects, my work in Africa, and so much more. Since then, we kept in touch. I didn’t know that these conversations were our “goodbyes”. Julio was for me more than a flute teacher. He was always there for me when I needed advice. He was someone I look up to. He was my father figure.

Julio, I have no words to thank you for all you have done for me. I am going to miss you deeply.

Yvrose Philippe-August

Le départ de Julio nous laisse désempare....Il était un mari attentionné un père fier de ses enfants un grand Papa heureux qui gâtait ses petits. Un conseiller pour les membres de sa famille et ses amis. Il laisse un vide, Il est parti trop tôt.

J’ai perdu un ami, un frère, un collègue, un conseiller musical (si je peux le dire).

Je veux espérer que sa musique nous restera et que d’autres jeunes pourront bénéficier de ses compositions.

À la famille: vous devez être fier d’avoir eu un homme comme julio dans votre famille.

He is going to be missed!

Karine Margron

Julio Racine, flutist and composer, was the musical director of the “Chansons d’Haiti” project that he and I started together in 2009. Eleven years of collaboration on this project gave him the joy and opportunity to arrange and orchestrate Haitian songs. Together, we published eleven songbooks, seven CDs, and numerous scores for voice and piano and for chamber and full orchestra.

Julio was my best friend, my teacher, my mentor. We were each other’s rock to lean on when life’s storms were blowing. My only consolation is the publication of our work addressed to posterity. To honor him, I will take on the duty to continue publishing the material he had prepared for musicians around the world. Julio Racine gave me the greatest gift of my life: the joy of having accomplished something that will last for generations to come.

James Smith

Anyone who knew the Ecole Ste. Trinité in the 1970s and 1980s could not have helped but be impressed by its vigorous activity and high standards, both musically and otherwise. Musical life flourished at our school, and this was largely due to the talent and dynamism of Julio Racine, musicien à tout faire, flutist, conductor and composer. One could spend the rest of one's life reminiscing about those wonderful times, but what really stood out with Julio were his human qualities. Did you need a confidant? It was Julio. Did a member of the orchestra or a fellow musician need help or advice? Once again Julio. Need a chamber music partner? Julio. And his responsibilities went way beyond music. He was the director of the trade school and the fac totum of the entire institution. Julio marked the lives of hundreds of students and colleagues and gave of himself unsparingly to Ste. Trinité, never cutting corners, always looking for the best and demanding the best of his students. Even after leaving Haiti, Julio remained an important presence as a composer and as an arranger and orchestrator of Haitian music. We will all miss you, Julio, and will always remember your goodness to us, to Ste. Trinité and to Haitian music.