CINCINNATI YOUNG ARTISTS CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: JUNE 4-9
In it's 9th season, I was thrilled to be apart of the week-long Cincinnati Young Artists Chamber Music Festival. Alan Rafferty, cellist in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Professor at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, is the Artistic Director along with his wife Sarah Kim, who is the Executive Director of the festival. The level of music making and value of chamber music, which in my opinion is one of the greatest and most meaningful forms of art, was special to see. It's such a pleasure to witness young, aspiring musicians bond and make great friendships over chamber music.
Ravel Piano Trio with Jacob Miller, Pianist and Erin Patterson, Cellist
I was an associate faculty member for the festival this year and was able to coach a few groups. It was such a joy to work with extremely talented young musicians. On Thursday evening, I performed the Ravel Piano Trio with cellist Erin Patterson and pianist Jacob Miller. Both are wonderful musicians and a blast to work with. Many times, these performances carry heavy meaning for me. I continually want to inspire the next generation of classical musicians and want my playing to directly represent that aspect. Most of the students in the festival are in the audiences for these concerts so hopefully our performance of the Ravel Trio inspired some young minds of what can be possible in chamber music playing. I guess that's up to the audience to decided that :)
This was my 5th year participating in the chamber music festival and am already looking forward to next year. I want to continue on with a clear mission of inspiring the next generation of classical musicians and reaching out to newer audiences. It's crucial that all musicians always try to better the classical music world with a positive mindset. Help other young musicians or even your fellow colleagues to improve classical music's situation in the world. Keep inspiring and being inspired by others!
For more information about this festival and other opportunities, visit their website here: http://cincinnatiyoungartists.org