R.I.P. Robert Wilson (1941-2025)

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler

Published August 2, 2025 at 11:26 AM EDT

A legend of stage and the opera hall, visionary director and playwright Robert Wilson has died at 83.

As the world mourns the loss of this brilliant and provocative figure from the performing arts—often described as a "gentle giant" of stage and opera, and a visionary—we offer appreciations from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, ARTnews.

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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