Exiles Know Freedom

Posted by a friend, Alan Eason:

I love this emotional rendition of "The Stars and Stripes Forever," conducted by then-National-Symphony conductor Mstislav Rostropovich on his return to his homeland of Russia in 1990. He had been stripped of his citizenship under the Soviets for sheltering and defending Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who also took refuge in the United States. Rostropovich loved his homeland of Russia, and his return concert, held in the Bolshoi Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, drew half of the intelligentsia of Moscow and was televised on Russian TV nationwide. After a mournful rendition of (his mentor as a youth) Shostakovich's #5 symphony, which depicted Stalinism and its terrors, he brought the audience to its feet with "The Stars and Stripes Forever" as a finale.

Musical Boomwhackers

Bach sounds amazing even with boomwhackers. Fascinating to watch, especially if you're a musician thinking how they thought this out.

The Five Browns

After attending their concert in 2008 at Florida Southern College, I was a committed fan.  At the tiem, that meant that I borrowed their CD from library.  Now I post on my blog and add them to my youtube playlist. ;)


Malaguena Awesomeness  on Vimeo.

Playing at Nursing Homes with Linus and Lucy

Here they are again, The Piano Guys - my favorite cellist, Steven Sharp Nelson, with his fantastic pianist. My dear Mom took me to nursing homes to bring brightness and variety to shut in people from a young age.  This continues to be a ministry that is near and dear to my heart - being a friend to the lonely.  Playing an instrument can be a great entry into a lonely soul's life. 
Playing at nursing homes is a great way for a pianist to step out of their comfort zone and playing in public. Most of the time it tends to be like you are playing background music.  Another venue is for ministry fundraisers.  I have played in numerous banquets and teas for Pregnancy Care Centers - great atmosphere and response.

I like this Cellist!

...and his pianist!  Together with their behind-the-scenes crew, they are the Piano Guys.  Great entertainment!




      Very beautiful, my style completely, and inculcates the theme from  Holst's Jupiter theme from Suite of the Planets (listen at 3 minutes) which has been used as the tune for a majestic hymn, O God Beyond All Praising.    Now for some real entertainment, see this cellist as Jedi.


Of course he also took the Cello piece every cello and Bach fan loves and took it up a notch. Actually 7 notches.  I like to listen to Steven Sharp Nelson on grooveshark streaming, free.  The Piano Guys song list is also great.

Rock Meets Rachmaninoff

Very cool, having played the C# minor Prelude.

Events: Jan.8 - 14

Friday, Jan. 13, 8:00 pm
Guest Artist Recital: USAF Ceremonial Brass
Concert Hall, USF
Free Admission
For additional information click here

Sunday, Jan 15, 4:00 pm
Steinway Piano Series: Paul Orgel
Barness Recital Hall, USF
Advance :  ($6 with coupon) $8/$12 Day of Performance : $10/$15 
For additional information click here

Symphony of the Smokies - Sample our honeymoon music

Go and see!