First, the news.
I have a new job and a new title. Senior Vice President, Content and Community Engagement, at Detroit Public Television. I’m working on plans to address DPTV’s five key issue areas: Energy and Environment, Leadership, Arts & Culture, Health, and Kids/Education. Not a surprise, I’m sure, that I would end up working for Rich Homberg again.
As part of my new job, I’ll be on WRCJ Radio with Chris Felcyn on April 10th, during the pledge drive for our classical and jazz station. I’ve been asked to bring my violin. Hmmm. (Station manager Dave Devereaux recently took up the ‘cello.)
Musically, working on a really lovely Beethoven Sonata No. 25 on the piano (Opus 79), and have decided that G minor is one of my favorite keys. The second-movement Andante is in G minor, although the rest of the sonata is in G major.
I’ve also been working on some jazz and improv at the piano, which has probably contributed to my ear’s preference for certain chords and harmonies. It’s true that as a string player, you never get far beyond “how many sharps/flats do I need to play.” At the piano, understanding the keys and the modulation makes playing a lot easier.
Just days away now from the Orchard Lake Philharmonic Society Orchestra’s Spring Concert, April 15th at the Smith Theater at Oakland Community College on I-696. We have another rehearsal with Pauline Martin on the Mendelssohn Piano Concerto #1 (G minor again!) this week. It’s really wonderful to be sitting next to her, watching her out of the corner of my eye as we both play our instruments. There was a nice little write-up and picture in today’s Farmington paper.
I also have a quartet “gig” coming up at the end of the month. We still have to choose the music; probably an assortment of movements from various Mozart and Haydn quartets. Note to self: finalize list and practice!
Speaking of practice, still waiting to find out what I’m playing at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Academy in June. First or second violin? Mahler or Hindemith? Parts are supposed to show up in the mail soon.
And finally, word is that the Detroit Symphony and its striking musicians may finally be near a settlement, in time to potentially save the summer season. Keep your fingers crossed.
Midlife Musicians 