Classical music in the Phoenix Valley suffered a tremendous loss earlier this month with the passing of Larry (“Lawrence”) Clapp on Nov. 16th, 2017. As a pianist and composer, he was a man of enormous talent. Larry was born on February 5th, 1955 to Gayle and Louise Clapp in Salem, Indiana. Larry’s interest in music began at the age of 4, and by age 5 he appeared on “High Variety”, a television show in Indianapolis. Shortly thereafter, the Clapp family moved to Arizona and settled down in Chandler where he continued to take piano lessons during his childhood. Eventually, Larry would continue his musical education under various piano professors at Arizona State University. Throughout Junior and Senior high school, Larry won several music competitions sponsored by the Phoenix Symphony Guild and gave several performances during that time as a result. Before leaving Chandler High, Larry won first place awards at eight music festivals and competitions across the United States. After high school, Larry attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York where he studied under Jacob Lateiner. He returned to Arizona to complete his Master’s Degree in Piano Performance at Arizona State University. Around age 32, having been one of 40 individuals chosen worldwide from hundreds of applicants, Larry was invited to compete at the famous Robert Casadesus International Piano Competition at the University of Cincinnati- Conservatory of Music. There he was honored with the highest award for best performance of a 20th century French work. He was later invited to participate at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, where his performances drew great acclaim from all who attended. In the years following, he spent most of his time here in Arizona, where he performed with the Tucson Symphony, the Mesa Symphony and the Phoenix Symphony. In 1994 during former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s trip to the U.S., Larry had the rare opportunity of performing for her during her visit to the Fleischer Museum in Scottsdale. In 2002, Larry made his Carnegie Hall debut in the large Isaac Stern Auditorium, performing Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and his own original works. Larry continued to teach privately in his studio in Phoenix until Nov. 16th, 2017 when he entered the presence of his Savior and King, the Lord Jesus Christ, whom Larry loved and served unashamedly in obedience to Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” Larry will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, his colleagues, and his piano students. He is survived by his brother Marty Clapp, his sister Sherri Clapp, Daniela Clapp, and their children: Daniel (23), Natasha (22), Christina (17) and Maria (14). A Memorial Service will be held at Compass Christian Church (formerly Chandler Christian Church), 1825 S. Alma School Road in Chandler, AZ 85286. It is on the north-east corner of Alma School Road and Germann Road in Chandler. on Saturday, December 9th, at 10:00 A.M. For any donations, a GoFundMe account has been set up at:
https://www.gofundme.com/larry-clapps-funeral-expenses. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Tony Pierce
God bless the Clapp family. May you know and experience the peace, presence, and power of God in this time. Take time to remember, for your memories are God’s gift to you. In this time of grief it is so comforting to know that Larry is in the presence of his Lord Jesus, and because of Jesus we too can join him some day. Until that day may the peace of God that passes all human understanding guard your hearts in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Robert Meharry
M’y deepest sympathy goes out to the Clapp family ! Larry was a great man ! I had the honor and privilege to know him in my younger years ! God bless thé Clapp family ! You are all in my prayers !
Jean Baxter
I’m so sad to read of Larry’s passing. He was just a wonderful guy.
Maria Cooper Melnik
Prayers to the Clapp family. Went to high school with Larry and he use to play our piano at the Cooper House. You will be missed.
Lene Davis Hudson
Thoughts and prayers go out the Clapp family.
Vicki Stephens Parent
Losing a loved one is never easy. Knowing that we will see Larry again, in Glory gives us the strength to move forward. God will hold you all in the palm of His hand. Marty, hold fast to your faith… God is with you…
Joe Nix
So sorry for your loss and will be praying for the Clapp family. Knowing he is playing before a heavenly audience is a comforting thought.
rob micheal vota
Marty will be praying for all your family.
Love you brother
May He comfort as only He can at this moment
2 corinthians 1.3-4
Jim and Dea Stephens
Almighty God
Through the death of your Son on the cross, you have overcome death for us. May those who faithfully believed in you as Larry Clapp did be with you forever in the joy of heaven.
Dana Nguyen
Condolences to the Clapp family. Mr. Clapp was my instructor during my high school years and he was the first teacher I had who believed in me and I still play professionally to this day. Thank you Mr. Clapp.
Lori Peterson-Wood
My condolences to the Clapp Family. What an earthly loss yet a heavenly gain. Its been 40+ years since I have heard Larry perform, but I certainly remember his talent. May he rest safely in the arms of our Lord.
amy
I will love you forever and into eternity
YIB
Terrye Pierce Soto
Thoughts and prayers to the Clapp family.
George and Peggy Nungesser
We never had the privilege of meeting Larry, but we did have Daniela, Christina and Maria in our home on multiple occasions. Several times Maria blessed our hearts and thrilled our souls with her music. Now we know why this lovely young lady is so so gifted. It is a joy to read of Larry’s deep faith and trust in our Lord Jesus. We pray that his family and friends embrace the spiritual heritage left by this gifted man. Our love and deepest condolences to Larry’s precious family.
One last thought at this Christmas time:
GOD GAVE HIM, MARY WRAPPED HIM. WILL YOU RECIEVE HIM?
Jim Lara
Warm thoughts to the family of Larry. I had not seen or heard from Larry for many years. Larry and I were room mates when we were students at Arizona State University. I was in my junior year while Larry was starting his freshman year. It was not long after we got to know each other that I learned to appreciate his musical talents. As a member of a musical family I was in tune with being around gifted musicians. He was high energy and rarely hesitated when faced with life’s challenges. I often saw him wearing his bell bottomed pants and platform shoes.
It was always comic relief when I saw him climbing into his very small MG sports car. Good memories.