“Everybody’s a critic.” That comment is always delivered with an air of sarcasm, precisely because it is not true. Yes, everybody has an opinion, but authentic criticism is another matter.

For an all-too-brief period, WHRO-FM had a reviewer and critic who was the real thing - informed, articulate, and insightful. We lost her this month, as M.D. Ridge died from complications of cancer, which she had successfully battled previously in her life. Dell, as she was know to her friends, served our radio listeners and the arts in Hampton Roads admirably. She was well-versed in theater and music, and for over five years she presented her well-written reviews of opera, chamber music, and theatrical presentations for WHRO-FM by way of her feature “From the Other Side of the Footlights.” Her critiques were based on a thorough understanding of whatever art form she was reviewing, and were balanced and honest, and written with the intent of enhancing one’s appreciation of the performances. More often than not, there was also a touch of humor in her reviews.

Dell was an important part of our radio family while she was with us. We will miss her and all the considerable insight she brought to her reviews. You can hear examples of her work on our website on the “Arts Conversations” page.

A memorial service will be held at the Chandler Recital Hall at Old Dominion University’s Diehn Center for the Performing Arts in Norfolk, VA, on Tuesday, June 13, 7–9 p.m.
 

Photo courtesy of World Library Publications

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