Musica Borealis

January 7, 2013 at 11:18 AM

Happy New Year, Violinist.com! In the time-honored tradition of fresh beginnings and firm resolve that accompany the flip of the calendar, I've set about resuming the usual dutiful habits that promote good health and well-being. Needless to say, how could I not feel the tug of the pen, as well? I look forward to keeping in touch with all of you once again.

2012 proved to be a pivotal point in my life in Alaska. Last fall, Kevin and I were able to meet regularly to practice our piano trio repertiore, as well as some cello/violin duos. We also met with Maria a couple of times and began to plan for a spring concert featuring several of our local chamber ensembles. Somewhere along the way, we decided to create a name and logo for our group of performers, with the intention of making a regular concert schedule for our community. Our first official concert would probably come together in the spring, but I just couldn't wait that long.

On a wintry Saturday night in December, Kevin and I rounded up our music and headed over to the coffee shop for some Bach and Gliere duos. Despite the howling wind, formidable road conditions, and little advertising, a full house awaited us with expectant ears. What a wonderful evening of music unfolded! Kevin added a sampling from the cello suites, which gave me a moment to sit and reflect. Across from me played someone who literally could have been performing anywhere with anyone (He actually turned down a concert in Anchorage with cellist Zuill Bailey to be there!), and he chose to play with me and entertain the people of Soldotna instead. Many people that came that night had never been to a classical concert; most of my friends usually have to work or take care of their kids. I felt honored to finally be able to share with them something I love so passionately, and proud to be the one to introduce Kevin to our community--such a gem!

And with that, Musica Borealis was born, a performing ensemble society whose mission is to bring classical music to the people, wherever they are, and share its beauty in the hopes of creating light in the northernmost reaches of the planet.

We have so much to look forward to this spring, I can hardly wait to tell you about it!

From Laurie Niles
Posted on January 7, 2013 at 6:00 PM

I'm pretty sure you made this logo, Emily, I love it!

From Emily Grossman
Posted on January 7, 2013 at 6:39 PM

Yay, thanks!

From jean dubuisson
Posted on January 7, 2013 at 8:06 PM

Great to hear good news from you Emily! So that's why you have been so silent on this forum for a while, you were too busy with good things!

From marjory lange
Posted on January 7, 2013 at 9:57 PM

bravissima.

From Emily Grossman
Posted on January 8, 2013 at 2:59 AM

Sorry I let so much time pass between entries again! I do plan on writing further updates on a regular basis this year. The problem is, when you actually get to play with other people and you want to write about them, you have to make sure they don't mind what you write about them, so blogging has gotten just a little more complicated, that's all. It's so much easier when you only blog about yourself... ;)

From Francesca Rizzardi
Posted on January 8, 2013 at 6:00 AM

So THAT's why you kept the cellist's name secret for so long. I am really really happy for you, and I love your description of sharing your passion with all those people who don't get much exposure to classical music. Best wishes for a long and happy experience.

From Tom Holzman
Posted on January 8, 2013 at 3:09 PM

How fabulous! It is a pleasure to hear such good news from you (and to hear from you again after a lengthy hiatus). Please keep us updated on your group's activities.

From Royce Faina
Posted on January 8, 2013 at 4:09 PM

I wish your group the best! A nice way to stir public interest in classical music. Any T-shirts with your emblem on one side and Violinist.com on the other?

From Tom Holzman
Posted on January 8, 2013 at 6:09 PM

Royce - as a lawyer, I suspect (although I don't know) your suggestion would raise some interesting copyright/trademark issues. A good idea, nonetheless.

From Royce Faina
Posted on January 9, 2013 at 1:01 AM

Hi Tom. Thanks for pointing that out. My thought was a joint partnership with Laurie & Emily, advertisement for both entities. And I do not know a whoot with such legalities so thanks again for your input!

From Tom Bop
Posted on January 9, 2013 at 4:24 PM

Good luck, Emily on your new projects! Didn't seem too long ago that you were wishing there were more musical opportunities up there.... One of these lawyers should get on google and make sure she can use the name & protect it.

From Emily Grossman
Posted on January 9, 2013 at 9:59 PM

Thanks! I checked on the name before we decided on it, and I don't think it's being used by anyone else. And I certainly hope no one steals my logo--I mean, I'd be flattered, but perhaps I should look into protecting it once we are certain of the final draft.

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