Chapter Fifteen - Unfreezing Myself
In 2010, an architect, Craig Shimahara, was graciously hosting an annual show called “Unfrozen Music”, a concert given by architects who happened to play instruments. My friend, Rumi Shimasaki, was on the selection committee. I pulled “Totentanz” out of moth balls and started practicing.
That October, at the Santa Monica library, I performed a piano concerto for the first time since my freshman year at UCLA. Yikes!!!
One of my accompanists from way-back-when, Natalie Dalschaert, came to The Parents’ house (where there are two pianos), humored me with a rehearsal, and graced the stage for my return.
During the holidays and for birthdays, Bill Fain always included a colorful pair of Paul Smith socks amongst overly generous gift cards and bottles of delicious wines. Because I was representing our office, I wore a striped red pair with my black suit.
My grandfather would have rolled over in his grave.
A long time ago at a Meremblum concert, I had worn a pair of argyles with some yellow in them. This was not a fashion statement, but more because I am the laziest dresser known to mankind, and it happened to be the pair I pulled out from the top of my dresser. (I was lucky they matched.) My grandfather was so embarrassed, that he gave my mom money to get me several pairs of black socks. Little did he know that colored socks would become my signature thanks to Bill.
Another funny note about my sloppy dress from this Unfrozen Music concert:
For tech rehearsal, Natalie and I would be the last to go up.
Architects are “creative” types. I highlight creative in this instance because I hope in your own music and creative journey, you approach it with openness, a collaborative spirit, and humbleness. It only makes you better.
This architect (the named partner at his own firm) playing piano was adamant that the light be adjusted because the spots were casting awkward shadows on the keys, and he couldn’t concentrate. I was helping Rumi with tech and was wearing ripped jeans and a wrinkled T-shirt.
Consequently, the "pianist" started barking at me to fix the problem. He also told me I didn’t understand the predicament.
I was informed his face turned ashen white when I started the opening runs of “Totentanz” during my rehearsal. I don’t bring this up to be arrogant. Only to note that I should dress better.
Heewon came to the performance and sat next to my mom to see if I really was making my way back. She told me my fingernails were clicking all over the keys, I rushed in several places, and the venue was not the best for a two piano concert. But largely, she was impressed I had "gotten through it". (I know that was more a statement of fact than a compliment.)
Friends, new and old, who were about to help shape the next phase of my life, showed up and got a taste of what was about to come.
They say piano is the loneliest instrument because you practice by yourself and often perform solo.
I have come to know that equally as important as the musicians who perform with you and the coaches who shape your music, are the close friends who provide you the encouragement, the space, and the support to go jump off an artistic cliff. They are there to catch you.
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