A new chapter for Seven Hills comes with heartfelt goodbyes and passing the torch.

This summer, before we announce our newest season, we are taking the time to say goodbye to our longtime board members and friends, music director Michael Delfin, and violinist Lindsey Tootle.

Michael Delfin, who was recently appointed as Professor of Early Keyboard at the University of Alabama, is one of the founding members of Seven Hills Baroque. He not only performed spectacularly with the ensemble over the past five years, but also served the Cincinnati community as a piano instructor at Cedarville University, and a harpsichord and chamber music instructor at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He was also recently appointed to Early Music America’s Emerging Professional Leadership Council and the Historical Keyboard Society of North America’s board of directors.

Since becoming a professor at the University of Alabama, he, his wife, Anne, and their son Teddy, have made their home in Tuscaloosa, where he also serves as organist at the Grace Presbyterian Church.

“Michael is not only a dedicated musician to his core, but as a person, always looks towards possibility and growth,” board member Rachael Bell shared. “While he will be dearly missed in Cincinnati, I am thrilled he will be pouring into the journeys of so many wonderful students in Alabama. His optimism and creativity inspire our board members to continue to expand our offerings and educational experiences for the Cincinnati community. We are so thankful to have had him on our board, and he will always be close by. We will try to have him back, same with Lindsey, any chance we get!”

Joshua Bermudez, also a founding member of Seven Hills, shared his memories of working with Dr. Delfin: “My first memory of Michael is of watching in awe as he, without forewarning, improvised a piano prelude in front of a classroom of polyphony students. And now that I think back on it, both the ease and non-chalance with which he tossed off this spur-of-the-moment composition told me a lot about the man that would soon be my colleague and friend, a truly unassuming musical savant.Shortly thereafter, I was lucky enough to be invited along on his new project, Seven Hills Baroque, and enjoyed working closely together both onstage and off for the next five years. Although I am happy for Michael, Anne, and Teddy’s new life in Alabama, I will sorely miss the intelligence, wit, musicality, and dad jokes that come with working alongside one of this country’s great keyboardists, musicians, and friends.”

Lindsey Tootle, who has been a standout violinist and long time board member of Seven Hills Baroque, is moving back to Huntsville this fall with her husband, John, to be closer to their families. While leaving Cincinnati is difficult for her, we feel strongly that she will remain present for Seven Hills Baroque performances in our coming seasons. As she told us emphatically, “Cincinnati, you’re not getting rid of me that easily!” 

“She is not only extremely talented and incredibly involved as a board member, but deeply passionate about this repertoire, which makes her a joy to perform with every time,” Rachael shared. “Though I will miss Lindsey being in town very much, I am sure she will be back very soon playing another incredibly hard Bach piece or two. She once called me the group’s resident ray of sunshine, but I think she truly holds that mantle for our group. Thank you for everything, Lindsey, I know we will see you soon!”

Dr. Bermudez says: “Not only is Lindsey a fantastic violinist, she also brought joy, energy, sparkle, and a hint of silliness to every Seven Hills rehearsal and concert. The growth of the group over the last three years is due in large part to her tireless work for our organization, and we cannot thank her enough for her contributions behind the scenes. For me, she has been an inspiring musical partner, a bountiful source of creativity, and a trusted friend that always made time for a coffee-and-brainstorming session when I most needed it. Though we are so sad to see her leave our administrative team, we remain heartened by the hope of her returning to a Seven Hills stage in the future.”

Michael Hill, our Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship, shared these heartfelt reflections about our departing friends and colleagues: “Seven Hills Baroque would not be the ensemble it is today without the artistry and behind the scenes contributions of Lindsey and Michael. Being excellent musicians is one thing, but being wonderful friends and colleagues has made each rehearsal and performance so enjoyable. Their countless hours spent in board meetings, planning and researching repertoire, and helping to create a unique ensemble in the Cincinnati area have all been given with joy and their desire to share their love of music with the community. Thankfully the world is wide but I know our paths will always cross again! I’m so grateful for their contributions and friendship.”

Lindsey and Michael, THANK YOU for all of the dedication, time, energy, and passion you have given to Seven Hills Baroque over the past few years as performers, founders, and board members. We are so thankful for you, and we wish you nothing but success in Alabama. We hope to see you back again soon for performances with us! For now, we say our most heartfelt “see you later”. ❤️