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Looking Ahead

March 20, 2006 at 9:42 AM

It’s a go. I got the official word today, after a week of skepticism and doubt. In April, I will be performing Clara Schumann’s trio in G minor for violin, cello, and piano. We weren’t sure if the funding would present itself, but it came through after all. We’re flying our cellist, Andrew Cook, in from California to perform three concerts in Soldotna, Homer, and Anchorage. I can’t wait to meet him.

But before that, I must fly to Seattle to go violin shopping. Yeah, I’m pretty excited. Actually, I’m trying not think about that much right now. I still have four days to go.

Woah, woah, woah! How exciting!
The Op. 17? It's such a beautiful, underperformed piece.
Is he this Andrew Cook?

http://store.acousticsounds.com/browse_detail.cfm?Title_ID=13662

http://www.benningviolins.com/players.php

Woohoo! Are you going to buy a new violin, or borrow for the performance(s)? How exciting, both the new toy and the concerts!

And here I thought that being an hour away from a violin shop was a hike. :)

Wow! You're flying to Washington for a violin shop!? Wow!
A couple years ago, a melody credited to Robert Schumann came up in a book I was working through with an intelligent, maybe thirteen year-old, home-schooled student I had at the time. He reads "ROBERT Schumann....." and repeats the name to himself a few times, gears obviously spinning noisily in his head. I waited for him. Finally his question: "Is he Clara's brother or something?"

I treasure that!

Kimberly, I agree, this piece is very well written and audience-friendly.

Yes, Jim, that's him. The C major suite is on the program.

Patty, Carley, and Linda, I've been saving for a violin for a year and a half, so it's definitely a momentous occasion. George and I are driving to Eugene to stay with his brother, and I hope to hit a lot of shops in the Oregon/Washington area. I have no clue what I'm doing, but I bet I'll learn a lot. Plus, my roommate from college is meeting me in Seattle to hit the town. Once again, I have no clue what we're doing, but I'm certain it involves coffee and good music. If anyone has any suggestions for entertainment, I'm open.

How exciting, Emily! The trip, the performance, the new violin, friends, family! It doesn't get much better than that.
Oh yes, it does get better! I played my Mozart concerto through with my accompanist today and earned myself a hot pink smiley sticker.

...Of course, I was the one who gave it to me, but it's the first one I've given myself.