Tomorrow (Sunday) is check-in day at the BSO Academy. Viola Judy and I drove 500 miles today from Michigan to Frederick, Maryland — only about an hour away from downtown Baltimore. We both are nervous about the upcoming week, but at the same time, excited to be taking part. Continue reading
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The Tempo of Life
I’ve been thinking a lot about tempo lately.
Some of the thinking has its roots in the music I’m struggling to master for next week’s BSO Academy. I’m starting to get my fingers and bow around most of it — but at half-speed. I’m nowhere near as fast as the recordings I’ve been listening to of Hindemith, Rimskey-Korsakov, and now the Dvorak String Quintet in G (my designated chamber music piece – 2nd violin). And the thought of trying to play as fast as the music demands fills me with terror. Continue reading
Filed under Fun Stuff, Personal Journey
From One Orchestra To Another …
It’s finally starting to seem like spring in Michigan, despite another snowstorm this week. (No snow at 6am, 3 inches on the ground by 10am, but only a few patches here and there by dinnertime …)
This time of renewal has also seen a lot of musical activity. Continue reading
Filed under Musicians of Note, Personal Journey
This and That: Music, Work, Life
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. Continue reading
Filed under Events and Calendar, Musicians of Note, Personal Journey
Scriabin and The Puerto Rican Day Parade
Spent a lovely 90 minutes at the Steinway Piano Gallery on Saturday, listening to a young pianist (and humorist) by the name of Julian Gargiulo. Born in Italy, Julian trained at the Moscow Conservatory and at the Peabody Institute. He now lives in New York, touring the country with a unique blend of piano virtuosity, his own compositions, and a little stand-up humor. Continue reading
Filed under Musicians of Note
New Beginnings for Aspiring Musicians
Sunday morning. Slept late. Groggily pulling myself out of bed, when Chuck sticks a newspaper under my nose.
His picture. Huge. In the Farmington Observer and Eccentric. Playing his saxophone with the New Horizons Band. Continue reading
29 Musicians Make A Wonderful Sound
Just back from Camerata Ireland’s performance at the brand-new Palladium in Carmel, Indiana.
The view from our seats in the new Palladium in Carmel, Indiana
First of all, the facility is a winner. Chuck and I bought seats in the choral terrace behind the stage, and they were great. It was almost like sitting in the orchestra, with a full view of Barry Douglas conducting and nearly close enough to read the music on the stands. Continue reading
Filed under Events and Calendar, Inspiration
Symphony Fantasy Camp
The envelope was large, brown, and addressed by hand.
“Dear Georgeann,
“Congratulations! After careful review of your application, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is pleased to offer you admission to the second annual BSO Academy …”
I’m in. Continue reading
Filed under Fun Stuff, Opportunities to Play, Personal Journey
Camerata Ireland Begins U.S. Tour
Members of Camerata Ireland
Camerata Ireland, the all-Irish orchestra founded by Barry Douglas, plays Carnegie Hall tomorrow night. It’s the first stop on a week-long U.S. tour that includes stops in Nashville, the Chicago area, and Indianapolis. They’ll be playing Mozart, Bunting, and works by the Irish composer John Field, who is said to have invented the nocturne form perfected by Chopin.
It’s part of a year-long celebration of Irish culture in the United States sponsored by the Irish tourism department. Continue reading
Filed under Events and Calendar, Inspiration
Motor City Festival of Bands #2
Some of the area’s top community bands are gathering at the Dearborn Center for the Performing Arts again this year, for the Motor City Festival of Bands 2. The event is taking place Sunday, March 13th at 3:00 p.m. and will feature the Oakland University Brass Band, the Farmington Community Band, the Plymouth Community Band, the Washtenaw Concert Band, and the Motor City Brass Band.
Last year’s festival was spectacular, and this year’s promises to be another great afternoon.
Full details and ticket information are available at http://www.mcbb.org/pdf/MCFB_2011.pdf
Filed under Events and Calendar
Midlife Musicians 