by Julie Lovison
An action packed three day conference included two special concerts.
Igudesman and Joo are two young musical friends who have chosen to make a career out of poking fun at classical music while delivering thoughtful, real musical performances interspersed with the humor. Here is an example of their mashing up classical music with a “Russian accented version of I Will Survive”
j
Master Class and Concert by Leon Fleischer
Leon Fleischer is 88 years old and going strong as performer, conductor, master class teacher, and collaborator. In 1964, Leon developed focal dystonia, a curling in of fingers, which put an end to his concert piano career. Instead of giving up music, he transitioned into conducting, and returned to performing left handed literature only. After 40 years, through physical therapy and the use of Botox on his arm, he was able to regain much, but not all, of his right hand use.
His exquisite concert included the beautiful solos performances of Sleep May Safely Graze, Claire de Lune, Chopin Mazurka and Nocturne in D Flat, and duets with his wife, Katherine Jacobson-Fleischer. Leon also takes time to perform collaboratively with his son, a jazz singer in New York.
.
These two examples show that there are many avenues to making music beyond the traditional concept of solo artist, indeed a creative and musically open mind can experience many new and fulfilling areas of music making.
Here you can see how Mr. Fleischer despite the handicap of curled fifth finger, creates the sublime and intimate rendition of Bach’s Sheep May Safely Graze.
As usual Reno and I were on hand in the exhibit hall to represent Lee Roberts Music Publications and speak about the Robert Pace Approach.
