It’s every musician’s potential nightmare: after dedicating countless hours to study, practice time, rehearsals, research, and every other imaginable form of preparation, it’s time to search for performance opportunities. In some cases, a clearer path is forged for individuals who are able to successfully compete for an award, which is often padded with the reward of a generous concert schedule for a coming season or so. In other instances, through general exposure, recommendation, or a promoter’s positive impressions after attending an artist’s live performance, there is also the possibility of receiving an invitation to perform at a particular venue or concert series.
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Back in the Groove!
Now that the new album is released, and the concert dates are set, the next live performance encounter is only a couple of days away – this time in Bonn, Germany! I have been extremely fortunate to visit this exquisite city in the past, first as a tourist and later by fulfilling a concert pianist’s dream of playing in Beethoven Haus – the preserved iconic birthplace of the immortal composer. This delightful hometown of Ludwig van Beethoven is steeped in heritage, cultural history, and is also surprisingly equipped with an appealing range of restaurants, shops, and attractions.
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Obsession with Reflection
When I take a moment to reflect on my time living as an expat Canadian in the Netherlands, it’s been incredible to consider how many valuable lessons I’ve learned. At first,
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It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new year!
The change of calendars and bubbling of champagne signifies the beginning of a new year with renewed energy and optimism and provides an ideal time to both reflect on memorable moments recently gone by and look forward to what lies ahead. 2016, though, was a tough year with the passing of so many great artists and individuals who will no doubt continue inspire us well beyond their years who provided many positive and exciting occasions.
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The Power of Choice
From the moment we begin our journey through life, we are endlessly presented with choices. No matter how great or small the situation, the decisions we make are based on a number of criteria that often times impact our present and future: Who do I consider the most important people in my life? What will I study at university? Which schools should I apply to? Shall I enjoy an evening on the town, or relax at home and watch a movie?
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A journey to England’s capital
Oh, what a delightful return it has been to Britain yet again! There have been many excursions over the past few years, especially to London – back in the day visiting friends and fellow expats when I first moved to the Netherlands in 2008; then later arriving just in time to experience the electric vibrancy of the 2012 summer Olympics opening ceremony festivities; right up to last year’s debut at the iconic St. Martin-in-the-Fields.
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The Creative Process
Hello, and welcome back!
After an exhausting day in the recording studio here in Cologne, Germany, I have just
finished recording the tracks of the second album, a collection of Scarlatti sonatas, and what a day it has been!
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Behind the Music
Hello, and welcome to my first blog post!
If you would have asked me years – or even months – ago if I would be blogging, you would likely have received a hearty laugh
and quick change of conversation in response! Though to be perfectly candid, as I continue along my musical journey I feel that the time is now right to share with you – the reader – some of my innermost musical thoughts
and impressions.