(No WIFI in over 10 days is like being a drug addict desperate for a fix........however, we all survived. We are so dependent upon technology. I know I am, and now that I home in Conegliano, I can share some thoughts. The pics have to be chosen from over 1000 taken, so it will take me some time.) WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! I dont know that I can accurately make commentary on all that has happened in these days, as I have had so many wonderful experiences during the past seven months. It is virtually impossible to process all of the joy that has come my way. Perhaps I think too much. I know I do, and I should just be happy to have ridden this amazing, magical carpet--which has landed wherever it has landed, always cloaked in hope, joy, and the thrill of the adventure at hand. The first BASSI BRUGNATELLI INTERNATIONAL CONDUCTING AND SINGING SYMPOSIUM was a fantastic success. I have been so fortunate throughout my life to have flirted with The Muse more times than I can remember, and for that I am so grateful. Whether it was a Brahms EIN DEUTCHES REQUIEM at Madeleine in Paris, or El Escourial in Spain, the Duruflé REQUIEM at the Vigadó in Budapest or in Athens, or LEONARDO at the Seoul Art Center, I have been fortunate to have made fabulous music with fabulous students, choirs, and orchestras. These concerts I will remember for the rest of my life. In this moment, I will always remember the first symposium in Robbiate as a crowning achievement in my pilgrimage as a man, as a conductor, business man, and Child of the Universe. What an amazing group of aspiring conductors and singers were gathered together in one of the most beautiful villas I have ever seen. These memories are to be savored like a fine wine.....and our music will always be in the 400-year old walls of Palazzo Bassi Brugnatelli. All of us are now a part of the villa, of its history, of its charm and significance.....If those walls could talk........MARCELLO, SIGNOR.........Grazie mille. First, I must thank my friend, MARCELLO BASSI, for his magnificent grace and kindness to me in these days. Not only did he offer his villa to me, but he planned meals and prepared food for 17 every day, and he found restarurants and ate dinner with us each night...he was a VITAL part of the symposium himself, and everyone loved him and his spirit of generosity and commitment to perfection. My only regret is that he didnt play Chopin on the final concert, as he is a fine pianist. Marcello accepted my dream of the symposium as his own, and without him, there would have been no music in Robbiate. I will be eternally grateful to him throughout my remaining days. THANK YOU, my friend, for your belief in me. THANK YOU! I am already in anticipation of next years symposium. I cant wait. To REBECCA TURNER-Artist-in-Residence: There are simply no words that can accurately describe my respect, admiration, love for you, and gratitude for your gifts as a singer, teacher, and pianist; but more importantly, for your love, confidence, and support of me. I have learned so much about the voice from you and Staff, and as I do what I do, a large part of my music-making with choirs and orchestras is channeled through all I have learned about singing watching you work. To have sung a wonderful recital, accompanied another voice recital, and to have played for participants during the grand concert, is totally amazing to me. Everyone was in awe of your composite gifts as a true artist throughout the week. I look forward to our next collaboration, and I hope to see you and Staff before school starts. Enjoy your time in Roma....what a wonderful city it is. TO ANNALISA MONTICELLI, Collaborative Pianist. What a vivacious spirit you are. Your love for life is contagious, and I am thankful for your professionalism and magnetic personality. Without you, there would have not been a symposium, as you networked for me in Italy and Ireland, contracted the orchestra, brought singers from Ireland, AND, you were a dynamic force as a gifted pianist and artist. Because of you, I received invitations to return to Milano to conduct the orchestra, as well as give masterclasses in conducting. In November, shall we do K. 466, A Major, or Beethoven 3.......I cannot wait to work with you again, and again, and again. Rarely does one have such a sense of home with someone so quickly. This I felt with you and Luca. THANK YOU MY FRIEND!!! Thanks to Chris ORear, Elizabeth Castillo, Pamela Williamson, and Jonathan Pilkington for your wonderful work with the conductors and your individual performances; to Susan Fleming for the diction classes, to all that made this a success, heartfelt thanks! And to the participants.....I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you, and I hope that we can collaborate again in the near future. I begin to close the chaper on my adventures in Italy (for the moment). The new dates for the 2015 symposium will be posted soon, and hopefully, the dates for my concerts in Milano (November) solidified.....The symposium was sanctioned by the PALAZZO BASSI BRUGNATELLI ONLUS. Please follow this organization (I have many emotions in questo momento. Euphoria and ecstasy in conjunction with a prevailing sense of sadness in leaving friends and a place I love-––so many emotions. Who knows what will happen next. One thing I know, is that the work has just begun.... J
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 10:49:20 +0000
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