Albuquerque, NM

The grand piano nearly fills the stage and my view for most of the concert. Then a short, extremely petite woman with long black hair appears. As she sits upon her bench, and softly begins to play, few anticipate the intensity that will follow. Her strength and stamina supercedes her stature.

I came anticipating the courageous creaticvity and daring often possesed by youth. I knew that she’d play Chopin, one of the most techically difficult composers of his time. No sparrow would attempt such a challenge unless she understood the vibrant power within her heart and imagination. No one was disappointed. Did the audience even take a second breath? Perhaps, non one collapsed but the audiences’ complete focus riveted toward her as we all tried to absorb the depth of meaning that the music poured forth. Was this a testimony to the intensity of youth, the connecton with their ocean of emotional tides? Perhaps there was a challenge to every age to awaken to the immensity of change within our worlds? A challenge to pay attention to the audacity of our hearts or identity. No one could hideaway in a sweet pillow of innonce remebered.

Raoring rivers poured over ageless rocks, and white water waves were frequent. Yes, a passage might bring to a quiet pool surrounded by a sweet flowered filled meadow and then as abruptly, thunder would shake the rafters and carry us with the burst of the next movement. Our brain rattleed with exquisite music, our senses placed on alert, our heartbeat echoing deep caverns of collective unconscious. I am here too, within you the music declared. Perhaps we might taste the pianist’s own challenge between vastly differnet worlds. I am here within you cries forth the youth, in a language that we recognize though its truth sometimes appears dim.

Welcome to the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. Hurry, purchase your tickets now. Few have the opportunity to ever hear the depths of inspiration such as these musicians invoke. www.santafechambermusic.org

Be daring, and enjoy.