May Violin Class

I promised that I would give an update on our November concerts and rehearsals. We have finalized plans to perform at a nursing home in St. Paul, the Marian Center, at 200 Earl Street, 55106. Please see the map attached. We should arrive at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 24 to begin performing at 1:30. Please wear nice clothes without athletic shoes. This is always a thrilling event for the residents in a nursing facility, even though the audience may come and go fairly freely as they may tire. We will be performing solos only, with the possible exception of Ellie and Karin playing The Mask of Zorro together.

We need to continue staying flexible about Saturday, November 9th. Our pianist, Charles Kemper, may have to leave for a while to play a competition. I’d like to use that day for a combination of private lessons with and without Charles. For all of you this will be your first time playing with him, and we should do that one on one. Thank you being patient about the structure of that day. It would be helpful for you to write down your availability that day and give it to me so that I can make a schedule.

Saturday, November 16th at 1 p.m. will be a master class here at the house. You’ll each play your solos for all of us. This gives you an opportunity to play your pieces publicly in a rehearsal setting before you do so in a concert. It is likely that I’ll give a short lesson to each of you in front of the class. Please stay for pizza and violin videos. Our concert at the house will be on Friday, Nov. 22nd at 5 p.m. Please feel free to invite friends and family.

I’d also like to tell you about an upcoming concert that promises to be fascinating. I’m enclosing a copy of a letter from Jorja Fleezanis, the concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra, about a piece she will be performing that was commissioned for her by the orchestra. I hope you can all attend this exciting world premier.

This is busy time at school and orchestras for many of you. Since we have concerts soon, most of our lesson times will be spent on the music you’ll be performing, but it is very important to continue practicing your technical work, i.e. scales and etudes. These are your vitamins!

Remember to carry an extra set of strings in your case for emergencies, and never leave your violin in the car, especially in the cold or heat.

Keep practicing!
All best,
Lucia

It’s time to get out your colored pencils and calendars! Here are some important dates.

My daughter and I will accompany my husband on a business trip to Europe from October 10th to the 21st, so there will be no lessons during that time.

I have recently joined the Schubert Trio which will be in residence at Southwest State University from December 3rd to the 7th, so there will be no lessons during that time.

We have the opportunity to work with the wonderful pianist, Charles Kemper, for our recital this semester.  He can be with us Saturday, Nov. 9th, in the afternoon; Saturday, November 16th, at 1 p.m.; Friday, November 22nd at 5 p.m.; and Sunday, November 24th, at 1 p.m. This is a great opportunity for all of you and will require careful preparation.  It is most likely that at the first time listed above, I’ll stagger rehearsals so you can work with the two of us alone first.  The second time will likely be a master class.  The third time will either be another rehearsal, or a recital at the house.  The final time will either be a recital at the house or at a local nursing home or shelter.  Stand by for more information later. I have checked the rehearsals of MYS and GTCYS and there should be no conflict.

I’d also like to list some upcoming concerts and events that will be of interest.  It is important to hear what you’ll be sounding like if you keep practicing!

Midori, the extraordinary Japanese violinist, at the Minnesota Orchestra:  Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct 3 at 11 a.m.; Oct 4 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 5 at 8 p.m.

Joseph Silverstein Master Class at MacPhail: Saturday, Oct 5, at 2 p.m. I urge you all to attend.  I can drive 3 kids from here.  Mr. Silverstein is the former concertmaster of the Boston Symphony and one of the great concertmasters of our time.  (Zara and Helga, I’ll reschedule your lessons for that day.)

Joseph Silverstein Recital: Sunday, Oct. 6th at 4pm, at Ted Mann Hall

Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra – Bach Violin Sonata: Sun., Oct 27 at 2 pm, Sudin Hall and November 3rd, 2pm at Jeune Lune

Greater Twin Cities Youth Orchestra (GTCYS): Sunday, Oct 27 at 3pm at Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis.

Minnesota Youth Symphonies: Sunday, October 17, at 6:30 pm.

GTCYS: Sunday, November 24, 6:30 pm, Orchestra Hall.

Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra: Family Concert – Mother Goose and Other Tales.  Saturday, Nov. 30, 10:30 at Ordway.

Beg, borrow or steal to get tickets to Joshua Bell’s Red Violin with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra at the end of November.  It is sold out.

There are other deadlines for applications for events I’ll tell you about one on one.  Have a great semester.  Now go practice.