“When I first got the call I had no idea what to play or talk about…

I had just recently finished learning Beethoven's 4th piano concerto,   relearning/learning new music for the NANM competition (which unfortunately has been canceled), and was preparing for a performance series in Milwaukee (canceled too ). For the talks however, I knew that I wanted to play Beethoven in homage to his 250th birthday this year.  I also wanted to add some element of surprise and creativity.  I was really excited about the fact (and still excited) that we are in the year 2020. How would I connect Beethoven and Improv? What is something I want to see more of in my current culture that is lacking (and in classical music culture as well)? Everyone in someway has a connection to Beethoven's music  and everyone in our current culture has some form of social media.  How is it that Beethoven's music is so powerful and speaks through 250 years of time? How is it that in a  21st century society while we're technically closer, there is still such a huge disconnect? One thing that I've observed about any large movement in history is that the past shapes the future (whether people break away or grow from it). The Baroque era of classical music went through huge shifts of breaking musical rules from the Renaissance, same with the Classical, Romantic, and so on (we can see the same politically,  socially, and spiritually). Beethoven's music is a tangible example of the changes and through it came such wonderful innovation and beauty. 

Well, technology constantly  advances and helps in many aspects of convenience (research, comfort, efficiency, travel, communication, construction etc.). However, I find that human connection is so vital which technology isn't the greatest with at times. How strange and befitting that a week after this performance we are hit with this virus outbreak. Tangible connection with our loved ones is so much different than virtual connection. And music...a powerful, spiritual expression of the soul is a way of connecting. Music is human and we communicate with it every day by talking vocally. 

ANYWAYS. So I thought it would be fun and innovative to compose on the spot by connecting with another person through music. Where someone picks any random note, and I create a song through it. Somehow tying together the idea of looking at the past (Beethoven) for inspiration, finding an issue (disconnect), and looking towards a brighter future (connecting with others) using the medium of music.  

I'm reminded more of this as Passover and Easter is among us. Looking to the past but realizing that there is a greater and more powerful Hope! #solideogloria” - April 8th, 2020