Violin Diaries – January 31, 2020
Orchestral playing has always been a joy of mine and the concerts are most enjoyable for me. I absolutely LOVE performing. I feel so alive, connected, magical and feel I am honoring the best inside of me for those moments on stage.
I love being a part of something bigger. Being tuned in to listening, playing, muscles moving, brain on fire, feeling in sync with my stand partner, following the conductor all while playing within an ensemble. So many aspects of me are utilized and vitalized. There is nothing like it for me.
With that being said, it also depends on the music.
Yes, I have performed as a soloist and in small chamber groups and many other capacities but the majority of all have been orchestral, chamber or symphonic.
In the States, I played more symphonic orchestra concerts which for me is the best. Here in Bulgaria for the last 10 years, I have played in small 15- 20 piece chamber orchestras.
Perhaps you are like me. I had a mentor in high school tell me I needed to keep a program for every concert I played starting now. Did I do that? nope.
Do I have any of those programs. Nope.
Do I know how many concerts I have played in my lifetime? no clue.
Lifetime performer and haven’t journaled a word.
For a year, I tried to keep those programs, but they just piled up in a box in my closet and I ended up thowing them out.
Now that I am, ahem, middle aged…perhaps it is time for me to start a violin diary of sorts. I can’t promise I will even follow through but it is time to honor the one facet of my life, besides teaching, that has been the most consistent.
Yambol Chamber Orchestra, Dianopolis
My current orchestra is pictured above. I have performed in Bulgaria now going on 10 years. Pretty unbelievable actually. I remember my days fondly as if they were yesterday when I performed in the States. A little hard to swallow to think I have been here 10 years.
Up until last April, I performed exclusively with the Gabrovo Chamber Orchestra. Then we had a guest conductor, Konstantin Ilievsky, who invited me to play in his orchestra in Yambol.
This simple invitation completely changed my trajectory.
My life has been on speed dial since that moment and that story I will keep for an entirely different blog post.
Changing Places
Playing with a completely new group is not difficult for me to adjust too but the dynamics and personalities of the musicians demands the attention.
Notes are black and white – musicians, not so much.
If I only think about the rehearsals….I am seriously ready to walk out the door. Complete authentic truth. It doesn’t have to be that way but it is for me.
I was gifted (or very well trained) to be an amazing sight reader. My “prima vista” is a bit higher than normal I guess. I actually had no idea until I had multiple musicians in shock that I could sight read very difficult music at the first rehearsal.
Perhaps I developed this in my orchestral playing in the States…I was so freaking busy, I had no time to practice all my orchestra music when I was practicing my own repertoire, preparing for orchestral auditions and teaching a full time studio of 25 – 30 students. Countless times I showed up to the first rehearsals without taking a peek at the music. (shhhh our secret in the online world lol)
What may be perceived as a gift to some is a matter of endurance for me to get through countless rehearsals. Most often my playing peak is the first rehearsal and concert….everything in the middle is a bit soggy and draining.
New Year’s Concert 2020
Overall, the New Year’s concert was a complete blast to play. The concert that is….the concert is always a place of freedom for me. What can the musicians or the conductor say on the stage in front of the public. This is where I get my high and this is why I continue to perform with orchestras.
I adore my current stand partner, Alexander.
For many years, I played with Christofer in Gabrovo and we were in complete sync. So fabulous to play with him because we had the same right hand technique and felt the music the same from the inside. Miss him so much. Writing this I think about how he would set up to play and always relax his right shoulder. Incredible violinist and we made such a great team. We duoed together quite a few times for concerts. He was an absolute joy to play with. Hopefully, we will have the chance to play together again.
Here in Yambol, the concerts are on Sundays at 11:30 AM to sold out audiences.
If you have the time, you can watch the concert in it’s entirety here. If you make it to the end, you will see my beautiful man present me with a single long stemmed red rose for the first time after a concert.
Quite touching.
Enjoy the concert and thanks for taking the time to read my violin diaries. Here is to many more entries.
Now it is your turn! I would love to hear from you. Are you an orchestral violinist and if so, what do you enjoy the most?
In violin love and magic.
I so loved reading your Orchestral story Heather. So inspiring. OMG! What I would give to have a program from ALL of the concerts you have performed in.I have only been playing in orchestras for 2 years now…YES, I have saved a program from each concert, as well as journaling the experience. Your story has made me so proud.I feel as you do about performing and the big picture. Love the photo above. I love ALL of your photos and I thank you for sharing them. Your readiness for concerts at first rehearsals is astounding. I can picture professional members in our orchestras back here in Chicagoland who don’t need many rehearsals for a concert. I feel so bad that I need ALL of the rehearsals for my level. I admire you guys that really carry the group which is life support saving (for me). Nonetheless it has made me a better player so quickly. I sorta feel your pain from some other virtuosos in our orchestras who have weathered four-five rehearsals. All I can say is thank you guys for being such leaders and kicking those of us that are not nearly as talented or quick at sightreading day one. (someday rehearsals,even day four or five-) . Interesting that your concerts are on Sundays so early. I guess I am thinking of the church goers. Maybe your concerts are CHURCH!!!! Lovely. Again Heather Thanks for sharing. Now I will thank and be more ready at first rehearsals. Performing is a high,filled with adrenalin. The repertoire is out of this world,especially this year honoring the two hundred and fiftieth birthday of Beethoven. Loads of Beethoven being presented. The Chicago Symphony is performing all nine. I’m sure you have performed all nine and probably several times right Heather? Here’s to your continued performing journey. What a gift to us. Thank you.
Thank you Tourey for your sweet comment and reading opus 1 🙂 Opus 2 is coming soon lol Sending love gorgeous and good luck with your upcoming concerts.
Thank you Heather. Your blog is so raw and real,more importantly,it is helpful.
Thank you.