Post-Concert Let-Down

Playing Mahler's 5th Symphony is a privilege many musicians never have during their lifetimes, so I feel so lucky that I have had the opportunity to play it 3 times over the last two years! Last night rounded up a month of grueling Mahler rehearsals at the U (including a double rehearsal at Utah State on our President's Day holiday!). The Utah Philharmonia combined with the Utah State Symphony for 2 performances of this monumental piece; one on Thursday at Libby Gardner Concert Hall and then again on Saturday at Kent Concert Hall in Logan. I played concertmaster last night and it was a spectacular concert! Although we had to perform in Utah State's sub-standard concert hall, the performance was tight and inspirational in parts. I even found myself getting a little emotional a couple of times in the Adagietto. The brass and percussion sections raised the roof in the last movement! It was really exciting. With today comes the concert hangover, and I'm sure I will drive my husband crazy all day with my moping around, wondering if I'll ever get to play concerts like that again after I graduate. No wonder I have been in school for so long. I need the fix!

On a side note, my husband was brave enough to bring our 2 children to the concert last night! Georgie's first concert (outside of the womb) was Mahler 5! She loved it!

I'm Back! And Jimmy Lin!

After a long absence, I have returned to the land of music posts! I will try to keep them current but life with a new baby (she is 4 months old now!) is rather hectic. Being a new mommy and a musician is wonderful, and I feel so blessed to have both in my life, even if it means playing a graduate recital when you're 8 months pregnant or a masterclass when you have had no sleep!

Speaking of masterclasses, I played the first movement of the Beethoven Violin Concerto this week for Cho-Liang Lin. He was very kind, but very adamant about playing the violin well! Although I could sense his slight frustration with my "lazy right arm," he gave me some great advice on sound production and freedom in playing. Despite the fact that I was asked to play for the class at the last minute and had to scramble to find a babysitter, I was grateful for the opportunity!


Check out the sidebar for some upcoming concerts!