Last Saturday evening, I had the lovely honour of attending an intimate piano recital in a private residence out at six mile. The approximately fifty of us in attendance listened completely rapt to the beautiful Ivana Cojbasic, a seasoned recitalist, a soloist with orchestra, and a chamber musician who has played to critical acclaim in Yugoslavia, Hungry, Italy, France, Mexico, and the United States. This talented musician was the first prize winner of the first annual International Piano Competition, "Frederick Chopin," in Rome and also won the fifth prize and a special jury award at the 16th annual International Piano Competition "Franz Liszt" in Lucca, Italy.
On the repertoire for that evening's performance were a series of enchanted sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti, Ludwig van Beethoven and Sofia Guvaidulina. Ivana's technical mastery and interpretation particularly of the pieces she played by that last composer were astonishingly powerful. The evening wrapped up with champagne punch, decadent desserts and stimulating conversation. I must say there are some things we really know how to do right here in the Kootenays. It was a most lovely evening, indeed.
28 comments:
Wow, the picture in the header of your blog, that shoreline, is beautiful. How did you do that?
PS. I found your blog by clicking Leonard Cohen in my own blogs profile.
(Second try on commenting, the first one did not go through)
Wow, the picture in your blogs header, of the coast line, is beautiful. How did you do that?
PS. I found your blog by clicking the Leonard Cohen link in my own profile.
Treefriend, Welcome. I will have to think about how exactly I was able to insert my own header. It wasn't that difficult...had to crop the picture to better fit. I think if you go to your dashboard, then layout and then template you should be able to upload a photo and then insert it. And yep, I'm a real Leonard Cohen fan.
Looks like a good time. And yes, this is a very busy time of year,
Do you ever get Winter SAD?
Tracey, It really was a wonderful event. There were a couple of years that I really suffered horrifically from SADS. But I bought myself a small little light box. I don't use it all the time (in fact I haven't this year), but it really does help reset the circadian rhythm. Mid to late November, Christmas decorations and lights go up (save the tree) just to make everything seem more cheery. I also try to outside on a regular basis even if only for 15 minutes. It all seems to help.
Wow, the evening sounds like something I would have enjoyed too. Certainly a night to remember..
I quite envy you of the snow, but only slightly - I hasten to add, as the thought of shovelling all the snow does make one exhausted at the prospect...
Peter, The evening truly was magical. As for the snow, it looks lovely but provides plenty of opportunity for exercise. The trick is to get out and shovel immediately before it has time to get wet and heavy...then the job is not too bad.
really skookum! what a wonderful way to spend an evening.
That must have been a great experience. I so love the piano and certainly when the music of masters is played. Thanks for visiting me and have a great christmas season.
Keven, It really was an amazing experience...to be able to hear a world class pianist in such an intimate setting. I really am lucky.
Marja, The experience really was wonderful. I am very lucky.
Sometimes the best concerts are the intimate kind. We have gone to something like that and it was wonderful.
I too like some of the classics...but I do have to be in the mood.
This past Sunday we went to the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton to see the Symphony. There was a featured oboist. ...Lidia Khaner. She was very good and played Oboe Concerto in D Major - Richard Strauss. It is apparently a very hard piece to play.
it isn't fair that one be so beautiful AND talented.
I would have loved the evening of music. sigh.......
That sounds like a very good time.I like classic concerts too!It must be very exciting to hear such world class pianist !
Yes,the time now is the most busy time of the year!
Sirdar, Yes, I agree, those intimate get togethers really are something special, especial when you're in the presence of great talent.
Pamela, I am so sure you would have just loved the evening. It was absolutely divine.
Steffi, It was a wonderful experience. I am most richly blessed to have been there. Now is a busy time, but it is still one of my favorite times of the year. I've been enjoying all your pictures of the beautiful Christmas decorations in Germany.
Hello,
this post has elegance. I noticed the use of the word decadent when you described the desserts. The choice is appropriate as it triggers the memory of the Decadent movement.
Good night and good luck.
Wow, sounds beautiful!
Gosh, I feel so uncultured as I'm listening to the 25th playing of "Santa Baby" on the radio...
Sounds like a lovely time. As we have the opportunity, we get to go to the symphony and other events. Our children are playing piano, and so the recitals we go to are for them, however they are increasing in levels so the music is much better than when they began. As I am getting older, I am learning to appreciate the beauty of classical music.
Sounds line a very elequent and lovely evening.
Fede, I strongly feel that if I am going to splurge on desserts that I might as well make it worth my while and have them be decadent.
Guilty, It really was a lovely evening.
VE, He, he. Truly believe there are many different kinds of "culture."
Mark, It truly was.
H'lo Nomad. You know you're in the country when locations are noted by mileage...6 mile, 10 mile, etc. That's the way it is in my neck of the woods, too. The recital sounds like it was the quite intimate experience...small and in a quiet setting. I am not familiar with the performer you note, and will have to seek her out...unless, of course, you post a sound byte as an intro.
Hint-hint.
:)
Dawn, I'm sorry I missed your comment. Sometimes Blogger plays tricks on me and I don't find the comment until later. I'm sure your children are lovely players. It's fun to watch children progress and to realize how far they've come from when they started.
Fool, The funny thing is that we now use kilometres in Canada, so the mile markers are a remnant of quite some time ago. Hmm...I wonder if she has any sound bites kicking around on the web. I'll have to check that out.
What a lovely evening that must of been. I love piano music and could listen to it forever. I took lessons as a child but stopped when my father passed away. It's something I regret and would love to take up again. Now all I need is the piano!
I'll bet Nelson is just beautiful at Christmas time...
Best wishes for Christmas, Carla.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful time.
I look forward to reading all your news in the New Year.
Best wishes and the warmest of hugs from one online friend to another.
Best wishes
Annie
Jillie, wow, this event just seems like a beautiful dream now. It was wonderful. And yes, the Kootenays are really lovely at Christmas time. Have a wonderful holiday season.
Annie, A very Merry Christmas to you too. I wish you and your family all the best for the holiday season. I will definitely be back and look forward to catching up on all your happenings as well.
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