Well … 2016 is finally over, and what a year it’s been. It’s hard to remember a year that has been so controversial, so fraught with change, so full of future uncertainty and infused with general a sense of dissatisfaction from all sides. All in all, it seems that most people, generally, are happy 2016 has come to an end, and hopefully, the start of the new year has already brought a new sense of hope and perspective, and the feeling that whatever the uncertainty we face, individually and collectively we will be rejuvenated and can start to make positive changes.
Luckily for me, my good fortune to live a life dedicated to the arts as a recording and performing artist has allowed me to survive amidst the backdrop of this tumultuous year. I have been able to counter the negative feelings by continuously delving into my music and sharing the beauty, the peace, the distraction and the sense of wonderment that music offers. 2016 for me was a year full of music – with a great balance of new experiences and old favourites in every aspect of my life including places, pieces, ensembles and friends.
Luckily for me, my good fortune to live a life dedicated to the arts as a recording and performing artist has allowed me to survive amidst the backdrop of this tumultuous year. I have been able to counter the negative feelings by continuously delving into my music and sharing the beauty, the peace, the distraction and the sense of wonderment that music offers. 2016 for me was a year full of music – with a great balance of new experiences and old favourites in every aspect of my life including places, pieces, ensembles and friends.
Touring with Seascapes by Eduardo Garrido, including a Mexican premiere in the presence of the composer. Click here for a live performance from Melba Hall this September. Fjords, Norway | Another great Music by the Sea Festival at Bamfield. This year I performed solo works as well as collaborations with string quartet and soprano. Santa Pau, Catalonia, Spain |
Some non-musical highlights for the year included enjoying April 2nd twice, discovering new cities in countries I love, like Santa Pau in Spain, Forbes in Australia and Los Angeles in the USA. I saw some amazing nature - I sailed through the Norwegian fjords and I spent the day in Hilo, Hawaii, the city with the most rainfall in the northern hemisphere (and it rained!). I dined on lobster in Norway, tacos al pastor in Mexico, fresh salmon on Vancouver Island,Moreton Bay bugs on the banks of Tin Can Bay and lechon in the Philippines. I even got to see The Late Show with Stephen Colbert live in New York City!