It’s been quite a while since my last post, a couple of months having passed since all the Grammy drama!
Since then I’ve done two subscription series with my orchestra in Charlotte separated by a desperately needed “study break” back home in Germany. I always knew this season was going to be a marathon – and it absolutely has been – but I’m finally entering the home stretch!
Before the break, I had the pleasure of being reunited with my pal Gabriel Kahane for performances of his gorgeous song cycle The Pattern of the Rail. After the hiatus, I was thrilled to once again share the stage with fellow Grammy Winner Janai Brugger for performances of Barber’s delicate Knoxville Summer of 1915, Stravinsky’s quirky No Word from Tom from the Rake’s Progress, and The Trees on the Mountain from Floyd’s Susannah – more on those works later!
The aforementioned “study break” – certainly more the former than the latter – was always planned as my opportunity to learn“…ohne festen Wohnsitz”, a new concerto for 2 Percussionists and 2 Pianists by George Lewis as a commission by the New York Philharmonic for the contemporary ensemble Yarn/Wire. I started learning it in December between performances of Porgy and Bess, and have been drip-feeding ever since. It was a LOT of notes to learn, a score packed with extended techniques and complex rhythms, but the performances were so much fun! Heartfelt thanks to Yarn/Wire and George himself for a thrilling collaboration.
Last but not least, I want to capture here how much I enjoyed making my subscription debut with the New York Philharmonic. In a programme that was like an Olympic Canoe Slalom course – including not only George’s 40 minute piece, but the previously mentioned vocal set, this time with the wonderful Golda Schultz, Ives’ Unanswered Question and Barber’s Second Essay for Orchestra, the Phil rose to the occasion and delivered! I spent nearly three months in New York this season, and I can’t wait to be back!
Now for some well-earned R&R in Charlotte. Looking forward to it so much…
