Hallelujah Junction (Amazon)

Adams has become a superstar in the classical world, known for a powerfully driving Minimalist-inspired sound. He uses the book to describe his musical life, parts of his creative process, and the context his music was performed in. He writes about his reaction against the dogma of some contemporary composers that any valid new music must push the boundaries of style and taste, eventually breaking them. He instead sees artistic innovation as creating “variations” of what music and society is capable of. Somewhat ironically, he received the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2003, an award typically bestowed upon the most cutting-edge and conservatory-bred musicians.

Adams has written plenty for piano, choir, and orchestra, three of my favorite musical mediums. I’ve never been a big opera buff but after reading this book I’m interested in seeing one of his. Doctor Atomic, premiered in 2005, tells the story of Robert Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project, culminating in the first nuclear bomb tested in the New Mexico desert. The work explores the moral tension felt as scientists and world leaders made the terrifying decision to unleash the bomb on live targets. Adams’ other stage works Nixon in China and The Death of Klinghoffer have also gained notoriety due to their reflections on modern politics. The descriptions of the creation of these works was captivating.

The book is worthy of a read if you’re a composer. Adams provides a relatively down-to-earth perspective on the often obtuse contemporary classical music world. As a composer I empathized with the internal struggles he described as he gradually discovered the music he needed to write. His passion for affecting people’s lives for the better through music really shows through. Adams also provides an interesting exploration of the creative process, a topic I really dig!

Recommended listening
China Gates (piano)
Short Ride on a Fast Machine (orchestra)
The Death of Klinghoffer (opera)

Well, a few causes. The album is a recognition that we Christians may have many churches, but we are united in following and worshiping Christ. And hopefully united in doing the things asked of us, like caring for our neighbours.

This is good news for the city of Victoria. The proceeds from CD sales will go to the Sanctuary youth program at Church of Our Lord. The program helps at-risk youth in the downtown core.

Here’s a promo video for the album:

Event Details:
7 PM on Saturday, April 21, 2012
Saanich Baptist Church
Free admission!
I’m unsure of how much the CDs are selling for but an offering will also be taken for Sanctuary over and above the music sales.

I get to play piano in the show!
Hope to see you there.

Here are a few salient facts about this performance:

1. The choir performed this piece from memory.
Unlike our March performances, all the singers had memorized the music. Keeping in mind that many of them had never sung in Latin before this was no small feat! We felt that though minor mistakes may be made, the choir as a whole would be more expressive and responsive to Simon’s leading without paper in front of them. (Notice how everyone is looking straight ahead… because there is nothing else to look at.)

2. Simon did a great job conducting.
You can’t see him in the video but it’s a joy to make music together. At first this style of music was outside of the choir’s comfort zone, and certainly more technically challenging. I’m thankful that Simon offered to lead our singers through it. Everyone rose to the challenge!

3. The audio and video shown here were recorded separately.
This video was taken on an iPhone from a slightly awkward angle. (Thanks Sjoerd for holding your guitar so stoically all the way through…) But I combined the video with sound from my portable microphone and recording device, the H2n Zoom. Then I synced it together with iMovie. Heidi also deserves a round of applause for capturing the video while holding a baby.

All that said, I’d definitely like to do this again.

The saying goes that the best compliment is when you’re asked to return for a repeat performance… and we will be singing Laudate Dominum again on April 1 (Palm Sunday) at both The Gathering (10AM) and The Place (6:45PM) services. I can’t wait!

I’m also looking forward to getting my hands on some recordings for upload soon.

Come and sit in one of these seats!

Minute Waltz in Db – Piano at The Magnolia Hotel & Spa by SoundstoneMusic

Last night I got a last-minute email invite to join Vox Humana and others to sing Handel’s Messiah with the Victoria Symphony and I couldn’t say no! It’s been a few years since I’ve performed anything with a choir as a singer (I’m usually at the piano) so this will be a treat. We are 40 voices strong (although still looking for a couple more tenors) which should give the concert a more chamber choir sort of feel versus the massive Messiah choirs that are often three times as large. We had our first rehearsal today and are already sounding great. If you’re interested, concert info is here:

Victoria Symphony Concerts

I’m also involved with the Lambrick Park Church choir this season; we have two performances at the church on December 11. I’ll be playing piano for those.

Chopin Étude in Ab – Live at The Magnolia Hotel & Spa by SoundstoneMusic

The Swan – Piano at Magnolia Hotel & Spa by SoundstoneMusic

I hope to have more recordings soon.

Currently, I am playing piano every Saturday at the Magnolia Hotel & Spa in Victoria, BC. It’s a really relaxed environment and a gorgeous hotel, so check it out if you’re downtown. I usually play from 9-10:30 AM during breakfast. Feel free to stop in for a coffee.

Next week I’ll also be playing some jazz music at the Penny Farthing Pub in Oak Bay! September 8, 9, and 10 starting at 8PM. No cover charge. Invite your friends!

Until next time.

I discovered this piece by American composer John Adams recently. I’m always looking for music to add to my running playlist and this one fits right in. I love the overlapping rhythms in the orchestra. This particular video is a bit weird, but it’s a decent recording.

Short Ride In A Fast Machine