The Path Not Taken

San Francisco Conservatory Recital Hall

Playing piano has been a joy all of my life, though now as arthritis begins to swell my finger joints, the days of performing publicly may be coming to an end. Still, I will play as I am able to enjoy the satisfaction of making music, expressing myself through the beauty of others' composition.



While in highschool in Bruxelles, Belgium, I had to decide whether to follow the traditional route to college, or take a chance on going to Conservatory. As a junior, I was the accompanist for The Fantasticks which was a great deal of fun. The musical is usually performed in a theater-in-the-round setting with the audience very close to the action, and the pianist and drummer are actually on stage behind the actors. Our cast was invited to the Arts Festival in Paris (1973) where International schools from all over Europe brought their best choirs, plays and other musicians. Our performance won the coveted "Command Performance" designation, the highest honor we could have dreamt of. I briefly considered Conservatory, but opted instead to become an engineer for my vocation, retaining music and piano as my passion.



Over the years I have played for many choirs and 2nd tier orchestras. I have performed at fund raisers and cocktail parties. But the most satisfying musical experiences have always been weddings. Last October I received a call from Richard, Bill, Marc and Denny, asking me if I would play at their dual wedding ceremony strategically set for November 1st before the outcome of the election would be known. I was so deeply touched that they would ask me, especially when they have access to pianists who are far more accomplished than I am. Of course I said "yes".



Playing in a recital hall is a very unique experience because the space is designed acoustically to reveal all the musical detail the artist can muster. An added joy was to be playing a Steinway D which is a 9 foot long concert grand piano. The particular instrument I played was made in Hamburg, Germany (the other factory is in Queens, New York). Words fail to describe the sensational experience of playing an instrument as close to perfection as humanly possible. The piano did exactly what I wanted it to do, and together we wove a musical context for the dignified, loving and spiritual wedding experienced by the two couples and all those in attendance.



To these wonderful men who let me use my gifts to celebrate their special day, I thank you from my entire being!