A Symphony of Greats: Memorable Performances with Renowned Musicians

Throughout my distinguished career, I have had the privilege to collaborate with some of the most celebrated and versatile musicians across various genres. This journey has been nothing short of a symphony of greats. Below, I share a glimpse into my performative experiences, reminiscent of moments that have sculpted the shape of my professional life.

Collaborations in Diverse Genres

My career has spanned a broad range of musical genres, each bringing unique challenges and delightful collaborations. From opera to classical, I have had the opportunity to perform with the likes of Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and Jessye Norman. These collaborations were not just musical experiences but profound journeys into the world of art and human emotion.

Highlights with Opera Icons

Luciano Pavarotti: Pavarotti’s performances were always an event, and each time I performed with him, it was a memorable feast of sound and energy. He presented with a pun on wine created by a devoted fan. The collaboration culminated in an Italian speech, a gesture that underscored the deep respect for Italian culture and the Amidoro, a California wine. What made Pavarotti so unique was his sheer size, personality, and the profound impact he had, even with a speech guard standing close to him.

Placido Domingo: Domingo's performances brought joy and energy to the stage. He was known for bringing other singers with him, where they would spontaneously dance with the soprano. This dynamic created a memorable and engaging atmosphere that transcended the stage.

Classical Performances with Legends

Classical music has been a cornerstone of my career, and I've had the privilege of performing with numerous legendary musicians. Highlights include:

Henryk Szeryng:

Szeryng's virtuosity and down-to-earth personality make him stand out. During a rehearsal in Fresno, he became a humorous accident when the tip of his bow got caught on the corner of the violin. His professionalism, resilience, and humor in such a situation moved all of us deeply.

Elmar Oliveira:

Oliveira's youth and impressive virtuosity were evident, but he also exuded a "mensch" personality. A heartwarming story involves the time he played Sibelius, having to change his Stradivarius on stage due to the accident, and his quick solution.

Meeting and Playing with International Stars

The list of performers I've enjoyed playing with is like a veritable international hall of fame. Among them are musicians such as Itzhak Perlman, Gil Shaham, and Mia-Yuk Kim. Each artist brought something unique to the table:

Itzhak Perlman: A true gentleman, Perlman's virtuosity was matched only by his politeness and casual camaraderie. His bowing tips and stories about his musical journey made every performance special.

Gil Shaham: Shaham's back-stage antics were as entertaining as his performance. He demonstrated to our concertmaster the dual technique of playing the Mendelssohn concerto opening and the accompaniment simultaneously on one violin, a feat that left everyone in awe.

Christiane Edinger: Despite being nearsighted, Edinger's performance was brilliant and impactful, even as she stumbled over the stage blocks. Her ability to check her tuning on the spot and continue with precision is a testament to her musical prowess.

Contemporary and Jazz Collaborations

My journey extended beyond classical performances into the realm of contemporary and jazz, where I had the honor of performing with artists such as Common. Each collaboration brings a new level of authenticity and connection.

Common: Upcoming collaborations with artists like Common represent a new chapter in my career. It’s exciting to imagine the possibilities and to continue challenging myself with different styles and genres.

My experiences with these and many other artists have collectively shaped my career trajectory, teaching me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the true essence of collaboration in the world of music.