high strung

Even though we musicians have just begun our vacation, I'm already looking forward to our exciting 2010-2011 season! Starting Monday, Aug. 23, you can begin purchasing single tickets to next season's Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra concerts. What would I recommend? Choosing just one favorite concert is too difficult, so I have pared it down to 3. There is just so much to choose from!

I have always loved Beethoven's Violin Concerto!  This wonderfully talented and innovative musician was suffering the loss of his hearing and yet he created this exuberantly joyful work.  Add to this, to hear it performed by Midori puts it right at the top of my recommendations of concerts not to miss!   This will be in the set of concerts opening the Lilly Classical Series on October 7-9 with Juanjo Mena returning to conduct.

Any concert by Andre Watts should not be missed!  He presents such a wide range of colors from subtle to powerful, and he's chosen Beethoven's Emperor Concerto - could it get any better?  We have to wait until January 20-22, 2011 for this series of concerts conducted by another returning favorite, Carlo Rizzi. 

I'm also very excited to play for the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis this fall.  I don't know how it's possible for the competitors to keep getting more and more talented, but they do!  This year, there are 2 violinists that are part of our Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra family - Eric Silberger, son of Marc Silberger (past member of the ISO 1st violin section), and Robin Scott, son of Beverly and Sylvia Scott (Beverly is assistant principal viola and Sylvia is pianist).  We're all so proud of them!!  Best of luck to you both!!  The IVCI takes place September 10-26.

Then there is the Printing Partners Pops Series - Wayne Brady, Bugs Bunny, music of Paul McCartney - just to name a few in the awesome lineup for the Pops this season!  I know that's way more than 3 recommendations, but it's impossible to keep the list small!  It's going to be a terrific season! See you at the Hilbert Circle Theatre!