Amazingly, it’s even harder to tell that it’s winter in California than it was in Texas! But, it’s a welcome change – it feels amazing outside all the time! Michelle and I will be heading back to the mid-west for the holidays, though, so we’re sure to be buried in 30 inches of snow at some point this winter.
The past few months have been a whirlwind: lots of great Trio performances, performances in Carnegie Hall and a tour of China with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, an amazing start to Chamber Music | OC’s 2013-2014 season, and some exciting new teaching opportunities. The Carnegie Hall performance was particularly memorable, because, well, it was in Carnegie Hall, but mostly because it was like a giant family reunion! Michelle came to NYC with me, and we stayed with my Grandparents. My parents flew in, my uncle and aunt came in from New Jersey, and my brother and his girlfriend surprised us! It was so great to see everyone, but too short.
The first concert for Chamber Music | OC’s 2013-2014 was on November 15th, at Chapman University (which we live just a few blocks away from). The Trio performed in different configurations with the incredible clarinetist Alan Kay. I’d never played the Brahms Clarinet Trio before, but I tend to favor any piece that starts with a cello solo. What an amazing trio, though – and to get to play it Alan and Kevin…I couldn’t have asked for a better group to play it with! Alan, Iryna, and Kevin gave an extremely inspiring performance of Bartok’s Contrasts – not an easy piece, but they made it look easy. The whole night was a huge success, and we’re all looking forward to the next CMOC concert in February.
We can’t believe it’s already been almost a year since we arrived in California! In fact, exactly one year ago, we were on our last few days in Kraków, about to head to Buenos Aires. Time flies, but we feel more and more at home every day here. What remains of 2013 will be fun but busy, and 2014 is looking pretty good too. Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!