Friday, December 13, 2013

My First Solo House Concert

It is Day Thirteen at Kickin' it Old Skool blog-a-thon, and today's prompt is "My first... A first attempt, your first souffle, your first rodeo, your first job, your first pet? Share a first."

I have been whisked away to a secret location for a fabulous birthday weekend, and I cannot tell you where I am until I return home. So until then, my writing on this blog and reading others' posts might be a bit sparse, in the interest of more fully enjoying my time here.

Therefore I will be brief. This summer I accomplished a first. In the spring I was offered and accepted a challenge: to perform a solo concert. Was I a little nervous about that? Hell yeah. But to make it a softer and cuddlier proposition, we made it a house concert – a gathering in my dear friends' home with one set of music followed by a bit of mingling and refreshments.



Here is one of the final pieces on my program that night, Orchestrope. The house concert, which happened to fall on the hottest day that summer, was a success. I really enjoyed the creative process of writing and developing a full set of material, something I'd long thought about but had never done before. It was great to take this bold new step in a room full of supportive friends. I felt some nerves, but it calmed down and then I could surrender myself to the music making. The feedback during and after the show was really heartwarming and will continue to propel me forward. I know there will be more in the future!

Here's today's entry for my "teensy bit of writing each day in December."
Perhaps we will sample
Andouillette, do you know what it is?
Reconsidering now, making not so fresh choices,
Instead we order the chicken, the duck,
Soup will save the day.

4 comments:

  1. Wow, Helen, that's a beautiful, passionate piece, and you play it so well! It's great to finally see you play! Thanks so much for sharing, and congratulations on the first of many--and happy birthday!

    (Oh by the way, I had to click on the "watch on YouTube" icon for it to work--in case it doesn't work from here for anyone else.)

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  2. A house concert is such a great idea. I love the idea of making music accessible in our homes while encouraing a musician. Beautifully done.

    Enjoy your weekend!

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  3. Oh, Helen, I am in tears. This is so very beautiful. You can play in my house any time. Any. Time.

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    1. I do intend to take the show on the road, so don't be surprised...

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