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The Journey
The Early Years
5 years old. Piano was definitely a better choice
6 years old. My first grand piano-a proud moment
With my mother and brother
11 years old. Getting ready for performance of Mozart A Major Concerto K. 488 with Green Bay Symphony
12 years old. Master Class with Gina Bachauer as the winner of the pre-college division of the World Piano Competition. Seated with me are the winners of the college division. Part of the prize was studying in France that summer with Pierre Sançan and Jean-Marie Darré. I was affectionately called "La Petite Chou" by both of them as I was a mere baby compared to the other students.
14 years old. Beethoven Triple Concerto with Chicago Symphony conducted by Henry Mazer.
14 years old. Performing with Chicago Symphony with Henry Mazer.
With my first mentor-the great Greek pianist, Gina Bachauer. I met her when I was 11, and she took me under her wing. She was the driving force behind my leaving home at 14 to study at Juilliard with Nadia Reisenberg. Her presence was that of a queen and she had a sound that was indescribable in its fullness and beauty.
Professor André Marchand, visiting professor at UWM-Milwaukee, from Frieburg, Germany. I studied with him for a year prior to leaving for Juilliard. He made a huge impression on me particularly his ideas about Bach.
The distinguished Italian pianist and teacher, Guido Agosti. I studied with him the summer prior to my start at Juilliard Pre-College. Studying with him was an awakening to an entirely different approach to music based on a sacred regard for the score-not just intuition and "feeling". At the tender age of 14, I was awed by his elegance and regal bearing-always dressed in impeccably tailored suits and very soft-spoken. He could be very harsh but also tender and gentle in his work with me.
I was the proudest girl on earth to be the bearer of this I.D. card. I made sure to "flash" it whenever I could! Despite the reputation Juilliard had for being a cold and cut-throat place, I experienced the opposite and thrived there finally being amongst other "different" kids like me.
Francis S. Goldstein-my theory teacher at Juilliard pre-college. The picture says it all, but I adored her. I learned so much from her and she had a soft spot for me.
My professor at Juilliard, Russian pianist, Nadia Reisenberg. A beautiful, very natural pianist, and caring soul. When I was a student there, Juilliard used to be closed on Sundays. She generously allowed me to come and practice in her apartment and made sure there was something for me to snack on-usually bananas which she would munch on during lessons as well citing the nutritional qualities they provided.
John Perry, my teacher for three years at the University of Southern California. A brilliant and demanding teacher who is a genius at knowing how to address the practical challenges of performing and preparation in every way. Taught me so much about the practical aspects of working with the multitude of pianos one encounters in competitions and when performing.
With my beloved teacher and mentor, Leon Fleisher at my graduation from Peabody with an Artist Diploma. He became like a father to me and I am forever indebted and grateful to have studied with this man who had the most profound influence on me as a musician, teacher and person. His integrity, kindness and approach to life and music are unparalleled and a gift to all who have the good fortune of knowing and working with him.
COMING SOON
PEOPLE AND PLACES
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