Janet and I would often exchange smiles and stories when we would meet each other at various competitions and musical performances. I loved her beautiful smile, her wonderful piano (and accompanying) skills, and her total support of me in every situation. I thought of her as a true “kindred spirit,” and miss her greatly. I was devastated to hear of her passing. I heard a beautiful tribute to Janet when I heard her and Adam play on All Classical on “Sunday Morning Brunch” shortly after. We all knew she was the best, and admired her without reserve because of her true generosity and kindness to all of us. What a privilege to have known this amazing woman! Wishing Adam and Janet’s family peace and comfort in your memories of your beloved Janet.
1
Janet was such a bright and shining spirit. She brought care and empathy to every young artist she ever accompanied and every professional she performed with. I loved hanging around with her during Young Artist Debut auditions, between kids, and sharing stories. Her smile lit up my world every time I saw her over the 25 years I knew and worked with her. I will miss her greatly, but I have the fondest memories of her laughter and artistry. RIP dear one. ND
2
Sending our deepest condolences to Adam and those who loved Janet. She will be missed. Paul Schuback and Ginevra
2
HI-Larious, Piano-Shaped Object (PSO), music for moisturizing, nugget
Janet came into my life in 1997 as the touring pianist for Portland Opera Works! Magic Flute, The Night Harry Stopped Smoking, Cinderella, countless concerts and recitals -- all with the ever amazing, exceedingly patient, HI-larious Janet Coleman keeping the show together albeit with a few stray sound effects from the Roland PSO - catfights, thunderclaps, babies crying!
Janet and Julie played at our wedding- walking Susan and me musically down the aisle in 1998. Later that same year, Janet became the first pianist for Bridgeport United Church of Christ - our first paid person because we were committed to having GREAT music. Janet's church upbringing and understanding of flow brought beauty and so much joy for many years. When Susan retired, Janet came back to play. What a gift.
I see her bright heart, I hear her ready laughter, her playfulness, and joy. She gave so much to so many through the years. I will miss her deeply and lift this community as we grieve the loss of our wonderful friend and the Janet-shaped hole in our lives. - Blessings, Diane Syrcle
2
2023, Portland, Oregon, USA
Celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and reliving Portland Opera memories from late 90's and early 2000's
— with
Susan Leo
3
Janet was not only an amazing best friend to my wife Angela, but an incredible collaborator I was fortunate enough to make music with several times over the years in recitals, concerts and recordings.
As a singer- it is a very rare thing to collaborate with a pianist who knows exactly what singers need and can help guide and craft even the most tricky passage into something magical and effortless.
She played with such skill, many times I felt as though I was being supported by an entire orchestra. She played into the piano- with fullness and nuance, grace and power.
She is unmatched in my mind, as one of the best collaborative pianists I have ever worked with.
Janet made me a better musician- as she did with anyone she worked with.
Rest well Chicken-
We all love you so much!!
3
Janet was my best friend from the early '90s until I moved from Portland in 2001. Her spirit was so generous and we both helped each other through hard times and laughed together through joyful ones. I have more wonderful memories of my time with Janet than I can count. I remember so well our laughter together and the memories are evergreen as if I just saw her yesterday. We worked at Linfield College (now University) together, she as collaborative pianist and I as a part-time voice teacher. At the beginning of one academic year at Linfield the Music Department had a reception for students with a cake. On the cake was an inscription that was meant to say "Welcome -- music majors and minors." An apparent mistake was made at the bakery and the inscription ended up being "Welcome music -- major and minor." Janet and I found that endlessly funny and laughed and laughed until we were doubled over. When I think about that now I still laugh and remember Janet and I always, always will.
4
I was privileged to be Janet's piano teacher when she was in high school. Her delight in making music was an inspiration to me. I am stunned and distraught to learn of her young death. My deep condolences to Donna and the entire family.
4
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