R.I.P. Amelia Freedman (November 21, 1940 – July 28, 2025)

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler

Published July 30, 2025 at 4:31 PM EDT

The eminent English clarinetist, and founder of the acclaimed Nash Ensemble, has died at 85.

Just shortly before Amelia Freedman's passing, the Nash Ensemble, the highly influential chamber group she founded and lead, had just celebrated its 60th anniversary. Here is an interview she gave for Gramophone at the time—and, as the music world mourns the loss of this leading figure of classical music, we offer appreciations from The Times and Norman Lebrecht's "Slipped Disc".

Foley Schuler

Encouraged by creative parents, Foley began his music career at age 7, studying violin with Jean Manning at North Muskegon Public Schools. As a Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp camper, he became Blue Lake Public Radio’s first high school intern. Foley earned an English Literature degree from Hope College, and Masters in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson College. He has performed with the West Michigan (formerly West Shore) Symphony; served on the English Department faculty at Muskegon Community College, and been the Music, Art & Theatre reviewer for the Muskegon Chronicle. He follows his love of the arts around the globe, but says, “There is no place like the Blue Lake setting, sharing extraordinary music with our listeners.” Foley hosts Blue Lake Public Radio’s weekday classical music from 1 to 5 p.m. and “Sunday on Blue Lake”.

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