Thank you

 Dear Friends,

We wrapped up our extraordinary 2020-21 Season this past week, and I wanted to express my gratitude to everyone who made it possible: the CSO Board of Directors, staff, musicians, volunteers, sponsors, patrons, donors, and community partners. 

This season was not perfect, but I am very proud of what we have accomplished:

-We performed an eclectic collection of chamber to small-orchestra size works.

-We pivoted and remained calm and flexible as we navigate every twist and turns that came in our way.

-We made new friends and community partners who enabled us to perform all over the region.

What I witnessed this season was nothing short of a victory. Every member of CSO family came together to make live performances happen in Chattanooga. I saw courage, creativity, flexibility, patience, humor, passion, gratitude, grit, and determination. I know this season made us stronger and even more committed to our mission.

I look forward to seeing you all again next season. Until then, please say safe and healthy.

With much gratitude, respect, and love,

Kayoko

Musical Conversation: Composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate

 Dear Friends,

Today I am excited to introduce to you my new friend, composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate.

We "met" via zoom to chat with him about his work called Chokfi’, Sarcasm for String Orchestra and Percussion, which CSO will perform on May 14 and 15th at First Horizon Pavilion. I first came across this work a few months ago, and I was immediately drawn to his unique language, high intensity, and beautiful melody. Here is our conversation:

For more information about Jerod's work, biography, etc, please visit https://jerodtate.com/

I hope to see you on May 14th or 15th!

Best,

Kayoko

Musical Conversation: Composer Anne M. Guzzo

 Dear Friends,

Today, I would like to introduce you to composer Anne M. Guzzo. We originally had planned to feature 2 of her orchestral works during the 2020-21 Season, but Covid-19 had a different plan for us!

We are hoping to feature those works, Three Paintings and Fanfare for Mountains and Peace, when we are able to present full orchestra again. My favorite element of her writing is that how her music elicits curiosity. I am always excited to find out what happens next in her music. Her music is engaging, fun, beautiful, and full of personalities. 

Read Anne M. Guzzo's biography here

This season, instead of present full-orchestra works by Anne, we will perform one of her chamber work, The Bear and the Eclipse. Here is my conversation with Anne about this work:

We are performing this work on April 23 and 24th at Ringgold First Baptist Church. I hope you can join us!

Best,

Kayoko

Musical Conversation: Composers Jonathan McNair and Brett Dietz

 Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you well.

Jonathan McNair needs no introduction to the Chattanooga arts community, as he is very well-known and influential. He serves as a Professor of Music at UTC, where he wears many hats. Read Jonathan's Bio here

I have worked with Jonathan over the last few seasons, and it's always a pleasure to work with him and explore his wonderfully unique and inspiring musical language.

Today I would like to share with you, the conversation I had with Jonathan and his string orchestra work These Three. This piece was composed on commission in memory of Chattanooga urban designer Christian Rushing.

Also on this program, we are featuring a work by another American composer Brett Dietz. Here is my conversation with Brett regarding his exciting work for 2 percussion, Street Fight. 

We are performing these work on April 8 and 9th at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

I hope you can join us!

Stay well,

Kayoko

Listening Recommendations: Nicolas Baldeyrou

Dear Friends,

I am so excited to share this wonderful artist with you.

Nicolas Baldeyrou is the Principal Clarinet of the Radio-France Philharmonic Orchestra, and a Buffet (clarinet maker) artist.

He has been making fun and funny videos promoting various clarinets while presenting his talent as a clarinetist, arranger, and master of various other instruments (piano, drums, horn to name a few).

His videos are so delightful, it is so hard to select which videos to share with you. I highly recommend subscribing to his channel. 

Here is my attempt to sharing some of my favorite videos- but trust me, they are all great!

Enjoy!

Stay safe and healthy-

Best,

Kayoko

Recommended Listening/Viewing: Belated Valentine's Day Romantic Music/Dance

 Dear Friends,

oops- I'm a bit late on this... but it's still February: Happy (belated) Valentine's Day!

In my book, Tchaikovsky's pas de deux in his ballets are the most romantic music and drama. 

Here are some of the videos for your enjoyment!

This one is Nutcracker, Second Act:

The next one is the white swan pas de deux from Swan Lake, Second Act:

The next video is the Black swan pas de deux from Swan Lake, Third Act.

These hauntingly beautiful violin solos always grip my heart.

Hope you enjoyed these videos- I am hoping that the CSO and Chattanooga Ballet will come back to the main stage soon to share some beautiful music, dance, and drama with the community.

Best,

Kayoko

Video Recommendation: Martha Graham's Appalachian Spring

 Dear Friends,

A few weeks ago, we were supposed to perform Copland's legendary work, Appalachian Spring for 13 Instruments. Unfortunately, due to the post-holiday spike in Covid 19 case numbers, we had to postpone this program. 

This work was commissioned by an American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham and pianist Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge. This work was premiered in 1944, and we are able to watch this wonderful collaboration of music, choreography, and dance on youtube!

We hope to present this work soon when it's safe to do so!

Stay healthy and safe-

Best,

Kayoko