Autumn starting with some musical fireworks.

Played 18 new viola pieces the last two weeks. More coming!
#composer #viola #newmusic

She was told she couldn’t vote.
She was told, “Thats not a job for women.”
She was told to stay at home.
Her family was ashamed of her for decades.

Yet, composer Rebecca Clarke’s strength, tenacity, conviction radiates through her music, as heard in her Sonata for Viola and Piano, written in 1919.

We all know Orwell’s 1984 and Atwood’s Handmaid’s Tale warning us about fascism and self-appointed figures telling us only they can save us by pointing fingers at others.

Here are some more highly impactful novels highlighting the flaws/traps of fascism, plus ways to escape it.

What are your favorite experiences going to Beaver Island?

The largest island in Lake Michigan.

Opened this in anger because it isn't about @violanorth.bsky.social or @michaelhallviola.bsky.social, but I was very happy to see @hwfmorris.bsky.social with the NYT byline, nice work!

7th installment of posting inspiring musicians who make the world a better place.

Stacy Garrop - Chicagoan, composer, positive spirit. Check out her Mythology Symphony.
Drama, energy, excitement, and a great example that classical music is not only still alive, but thriving.

Jump in. Water’s fine!

Fifth installment in an attempt to spread good news and vibes by highlighting a musician and album that makes the world a better place. Pianist/composer Daniel Pesca embodies all of that, and more. His new album highlights friendships, trust, warmth, and flowing melodies.
Also, a Longtime Chicagoan.

A piece written for me by composer @musicalassumptions.bsky.social is now free to download.

I premiered it in Chicago as part of the Make Music Chicago celebration.

Tell all your friends who play or teach viola. This is gorgeous.

Fourth installment in an attempt to spread good news and vibes, by highlighting a musician and an album that inspires the world to be a better place. This time it’s Jessica Meyer, viola, and her album “Ring Out.”

Jessica Meyer radiates energy into the world, both socially and musically. This rocks!

Third installment in an attempt to spread good news and vibes by posting an album by a Musial who inspires the world to be a better place. This time it’s pianist Adam Tendler’s album “Inheritances.”

Adam Tendler, pianist/composer, and his music are life-affirming.

Second Installment: In an attempt to spread good news and vibes, I’m sharing albums by musicians who inspire and make the world a better place.

Tomeka Reid is a cellist, composer, improviser, and all-around inspiring human being. She also creates community thru her sheer charisma and brilliance.

In an attempt to spread good news and vibes, I’m going to post an album a day of musicians that inspire and make the world a better place.

1st up, Ukrainian-American virtuoso pianist Nadia Shpachenko and The Poetry of Places.

Pablo Picasso - Guernica
Kurt Jooss. - The Green Table
Jacob Ter Veldhuis- TaTaTaTa
Rupert Kipling - Boots

Painting
Ballet
Music
Poetry

Powerful reminders.
But, do we remember?
Do we listen?

I just gave the world premiere of a piece written for me by composer Elaine Fine - aka @musicalassumptions.bsky.social at the Blackstone Public Library in Chicago.

“All the Weather, All At Once” (2025), solo viola.

Part of the city’s “Make Music Chicago” annual series on the summer solstice.

Chicago and the Summer Solstice at the 49th St Pebble Beach.
Perfect temperature and vibe for just hanging out and relaxing.

Chicago’s musical treasure, composer Florence Price, wrote “Night” only a couple blocks from my home on the city’s south side.

It’s thrilling to hear/see her music reaching new audiences.

When you realize you won’t even be the most famous musician from your own block. 😂

Hanging out at the harp capital of the world.

Chicago’s Lyon and Healy.

You deserve a moment to relax and listen to a short piece of music composed by rising star Adrian Gordon.
“With the Rising Star”

m.youtube.com/watch?v=cp9x...