Fugue State

Be a soloist with the Vienna Symphony - or get them to play your new work

I had an email through today from Talenthouse about one of their creative collaborations. The deal is you subject an audition by uploading your audio file, which is then voted on. There's a final selection round at the end, not voted on by the general public. They're also looking for new work to perform as well. This reminds me a bit of the YouTube Symphony concept, in that skipping the whole hothouse of competitions, etc - though here you're expected to do a fair amount of footwork yourself in getting people to vote for you. Interesting, maybe this functions as a lesson in PR more than anything else. Not necessarily a bad thing for those trying to get careers as private teachers, chamber musicians or whatever else off the ground. 

Hear more about the project from Vienna Symphony Orchestra's Principal Conductor:

January

My friend Pete is a cellist as well as a composer, and as a personal challenge attempted to write something new for every day in January. As someone who can't even begin to imagine what writing music would entail, I am very impressed. Take a look at his January Pieces, though read the first post there to get a sense of the project - it's not a finished set or anything. 

I can't think of a better thing to start the year with.

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas everyone, and thanks for reading Fugue State this year. I always appreciate every one of your comments and good wishes. I wish you brilliant music-making in 2010. xx 

More Gautier

Like there could ever be enough. My favourite cellist with Antoine Tamestit (viola), Menahem Pressler (piano) and Salvatore Accardo (violin) playing Schumann at the 2008 Verbier Festival.

Slower return to form than I was hoping for

I am feeling a bit despondent about cello playing at the moment. I had originally thought I'd be able to return to orchestra in January, but with the lack of practice and reality of the little monkey - there's no way. I love playing in orchestra, it's the reason I took up this instrument and came back to playing. Chamber music is fun sometimes, and being able to sit down and play music on my own is enjoyable - but it's the incredible thrill of creating a huge sweeping sound with 30 people (or more) that gives me goosebumps. 

Elliot is all unsettled in his schedule, and at the moment is very clingy and wants to be sitting on me all day. I can barely make my own lunch without six interruptions for cuddles, waving toys around and singing silly songs - washing my hair regularly is a challenge. Unfortunately cello playing comes a bit down the list from hair washing. I love spending all this time with him, and my frustration over lack of cello practice, I admit, only features in my thoughts for about 2 minutes a day. I'm still struggling to find a time to make it work. I may have to realise that once a week is all I can manage for awhile. Of course, this is all coming from the land of sleep deprivation, and I need to keep in mind that things will seem much more possible when I've slept for more than three hours at a stretch. 

Speaking of orchestra, I brought Elliot to rehearsal to meet everyone a couple weeks ago. It was hilarious to stand at the front with him to greet everyone. I played a concert when I was pregnant, and everyone had seen my scan pictures, so they all knew Elliot was on his way. He was fascinated by the instruments. Elliot got up close and personal with a violin, and our conductor who is a pro cellist played for him at tea break. Gorgeous. What a lucky little boy!