Recently I had the opportunity to record a few tracks for a local band, Wartime Recitals. These guys put a lot of work into their music, and I knew after listening to their original demos that I wanted to work with them. I also met some other great string players on the gig, Kaitlin and Morgan.
Both songs are available for listening in the player below. Check it out!
Planning a recital? Stop! Go back! Don’t do it! Not listening to me? Okay fine. At the very least let me make your life a little easier with my brilliant list of recital Do’s and Don’ts, all from personal experience.
Do NOT wait until the last minute to learn your repertoire. You will be so busy running a three-ring circus that only somnambulatory practice will be possible. It took many late, sleepless nights for me to learn the gorgeous Vitali Chaconne (click to listen!).
Do NOT play a piece that requires hiring an arranger. What? You’ve become obsessed with a particular piece and are willing to sell your soul to have it on your recital? Fine then – just make sure you hire a good one. I recommend Kendall Lamkin, who did a fabulous string orchestra arrangement for Navarra (click to listen!).
That brings me to the next one. Do NOT, under any circumstance recruit an orchestra to accompany you. Just don’t, not even if you really want to play an amazing piece like the Strings and Threads Suite by Mark O’ Connor (click to listen!).
Gonna do it anyway? Fine. Then DO use doodle to schedule your rehearsals. It’s a lifesaver.
Last but not least, DO try on your dress within a week of your recital, and give yourself enough time to see a tailor if necessary. Otherwise your recital might unintentionally turn into a burlesque show.
Last October I had the privilege of performing for a Jewish wedding. Yay! I have to say, it was one of the most beautiful and thoughtful ceremonies I have ever seen. It took place at the charming, non-denominational Wee Kirk o’ the Heather chapel in Glendale. The music selections were great, utilizing both traditional pieces such as “Hatikvah” and more modern numbers such as “The Rainbow Connection.”
The photographer, Robert Beckwith was generous enough to send me some photos of the event. Here is pianist Philip J. Rankin and I at the dress rehearsal.
For the processional we accompanied a vocalist on the Jason Robert Brown song “Someone to Fall Back On,” and during the ceremony with did “Sabbath Prayer” from Fiddler on the Roof. After it was all over, I played “Meditation from Thais” by Massenet as the guests exited the building. It was a great experience and I wish the best to the Kahn/Wilson clan and their new life together!
One of my audience caught this at my performance at Cypress Hall on the 5th. I wish I had hired someone to film the whole thing. Look out for the complete recording of my performance. It will hit this website within the next few weeks.
On Sunday, December 5, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm at CSU Northridge Recital Hall, Cypress Hall ( Nordhoff St. & Etiwanda Ave, Los Angeles, CA), you are invited to hear me play the violin at CSUN! Reception to follow. Totally free. Bring your friends!
Music Menu:
- A short, fun piece by Gershwin
- A famous Beethoven Sonata
- A dramatic piece mutated by many famous violinists across time
- A bit of Bach
- A crazy Spanish piece for 2 violins
- Celtic and American Fiddle Tunes with string orchestra!
Special Guests: Jiye Choi – piano, Edgar Sandoval – violin
A reception will follow with some Vegetable, Chile/Cheese, Sweet Corn, and Pineapple Tamales (plus a few for the carnivores), lots of fruit, homemade baked goodies, and more. Feel free to bring an hors de’oevre to share!
There will be free street parking on Nordhoff and Etiwanda.
Once you are parked, walk through Nordhoff Hall (Theatre) to get to Cypress Hall (music). The Recital Hall is in the middle of the south wing, accessible from the outside.