Thursday, November 11, 2010

Jacobs School of Music!

Tim Kantor, Kati Gleiser, Me, Sharon Robinson, Jaime Laredo


Me, Gabriel Gutierrez, Madalyn

Hello everyone!

Madalyn and I have had a few months to settle into life at Indiana University in Bloomington, and already we have had the infinite pleasure of meeting many wonderful people and superb musicians at the Jacobs School of Music.

Most recently, an extraordinary student composer named Gabriel Gutierrez attended JSoM’s New Music Ensemble concert, of which Madalyn and I are proud members, and contacted us soon thereafter, saying he would like to write a duo and dedicate it to duo parnas. Naturally, we were thrilled! With just four days of preparation, we presented the world premier of the duo, entitled “Three Semblances,” in JSoM’s stunning Auer Hall. The piece itself is masterful, rife with varied textures, intricate rhythms, and captivating characters. Wonderful composer, wonderful piece! We are looking forward to performing “Three Semblances” again in the near future.

As a result of a series of very fortunate events, I am currently working with another spectacular musician – pianist Kati Gleiser. A student of Menahem Pressler, Kati is a beautiful person and player, and her enthusiasm and commitment to the art of music-making are positively infectious. We have begun tackling the sonata repertoire and are planning a recital for next semester. I am deeply grateful to her for her generosity with her time and talents. To read more about Kati, please see her biography on Menahem Pressler’s website:http://menahempressler.org/?page_id=302

Perhaps the best part of being at the JSoM is that Madalyn and I are lucky enough to be able to study under two such marvelous people as Jaime Laredo and Sharon Robinson, whose technical mastery and consummate artistry is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Dedicated to their teaching, they take a personal interest in each of their students, pushing us to be better musicians and artists, while at the same time allowing us room to grow at our natural pace. Being the wonderful people they are, they are more than just teachers – they are our mentors and supporters, and we could not be more honored to be in their studios.

The JSoM is a musician’s paradise. The opportunities to be found there are life-changing, and the palpable excitement of making music, whether it be old or new, is inspiring beyond what words can express. Madalyn and I are absolutely delighted and honored to be a part of it.

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