SILENCE AS DIALOGUE
Dear Friends,
Let's start with something inspirational!
One of my students shared this with me this week. Oh boy...powerful!
Why am I sharing this today? Earlier this week, someone sent me a link to an interview between five musicians at the Library of Congress and the director of their music series at Coolidge Hall. One phrase that really caught my ear came from pianist Pedja Muzijevic, who currently serves as the director of musical activities at the Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC) in Hell's Kitchen, NYC. I've known Pedja for many years, and truth be told, he is a master of fine phrases when it comes to discussing music! The last time he invited me to perform at BAC, I couldn’t get enough of his banter—really, it’s that good.
The phrase he used in this particular interview was "Silence as Dialogue". He was talking about what happens when people enter a space together and spend their attention in the same direction. As I thought about it, I realized that the idea of people sharing space together and directing their attention together to one thing (music, in this case) is the very reason most musicians spend their lives doing what they do. There's no experience like it.
Another thing that happened this week was the video release of an incredible live event happening with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center with Jacob Collier. If you read these e-blasts regularly, you know that I'm a big fan of Collier. When people muse about Mozart and wonder "what would Mozart be like if he were alive today", my answer would be Jacob Collier. (Truth be told, if someone out there wanted to sponsor an appearance of Collier at Stratford Summer Music someday, I would likely say "My job here is done!")
This video is pretty incredible. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
We have so much incredible music coming this summer at Stratford Summer Music, and if you're wanting to experience the power of a room filled with people sharing their silent attention together—look no further than our website for details!
One of the highlights of the season ahead for me is the performance of Stewart Goodyear performing J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations. While I don't have a video of Stewart to share here performing it, I found this extraordinary video of him performing for an audience in Frankfurt, Germany. It features one of my favourite solo piano works called "Fantasia on an Ostinato". Take a listen to this...and experience the "sound" of the audience! Get your tickets to see Stewart Goodyear perform with us this summer at https://www.stratfordsummermusic.ca/events/stewart-goodyear.
That audience...that's YOU this summer! Come join us!
Have a great weekend all,
Mark and the Stratford Summer Music Team
Supporter Highlight
KDB LAW
Mezzo Piano + Community
We're thrilled to welcome KDB Law as a supporter of Stratford Summer Music! KDB Law merges their passion for the law with a commitment to innovative, personalized solutions. They understand that every situation is unique and deserves a tailored approach, ensuring peace of mind for their clients. With their creativity and dynamism, KDB Law is dedicated to crafting outcome-based solutions.
KDB Law shares our excitement for another summer of vibrant music in Stratford. Thank you, KDB Law, for joining us on this musical journey!
"KDB Law can't wait for another summer enjoying the vibrant music scene in Stratford delivered by SSM!" - KDB Law
