That’s right! Our recent performance at the Bradford School of Music Faculty Concert (where Helen teaches) featured guest artist bassist Randy Wong, or as some students call him, “Mr. Helen!” With this unusual combination of string instruments, we played a nice rendition of Mark O’Connor’s Appalachia Waltz, which was originally written for either solo cello or violin.
It’s such a beautifully written piece that will erase all darkness, lift spirits and bring hope to all. There is just something about American music with its use of open strings, intervals, and harmonies that is attractive and uplifting to the ears and heart. Some of my favorite American composers include Copland, Corgliano, and Ives; they each have their own American idiom and compositional language, but there are many traits they all have in common with each other as well. As performers, it is our duty and desire to communicate the style of the composer, and in this piece, we shall continue to work towards achieving that sense of peace and calmness that is so tangible in performance especially for this piece. Hopefully that will transcend itself to the audience and as we let the music unfold through meditation and prayer….
Written on May 10th, 2010 & filed under Boston, Concerts
As we drove out to Long Island from Queens, I started wondering if this concert was going to be worth it. I tried to think of any negative aspects (I know, I’m such a pessimist) but they were immediately dismissed because, first of all, it was a SUNday—it was the first sunny day since the rain, there was no traffic on the roads, we rehearsed a good amount for this, and we will be surrounded by our closest friends and supporters. All of those things and the church’s reception of our music, made it all worthwhile. We were honored to meet the church’s pastor and his wife, a gentleman named Mark who designed the beautiful sounding space we performed in, and other friendly members of the church. I can tell that good things will continue in that church and hopefully, with Wen and Jason’s good efforts, an exciting chamber music series will form and bring the community closer together through music. We were definitely urged to come back to perform again and hopefully to a more supportive number of audience members. We will have pictures posted soon. Now, onto our Boston tour!
We are looking forward to our next show on Sunday, April 5th at the Bellport United Methodist Church in Bellport, Long Island. It’s now two weeks away and we’re quickly planning our rehearsals. Trust me, it’s tricky when we’re in two different states. Big thanks to Wen who gave us this opp to perform. Our program will include Mozart Duo #2, Bruch Double Concerto, Halvorsen Passacaglia, and a few pieces by Piazzolla. Please come to support us. Yay!
Written on March 20th, 2009 & filed under Concerts
