http://kennethwoods.net/blog1 Music, opinion, life as a performing musician Wed, 14 May 2008 14:07:04 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I’m a bit sad that the ferociously intense schedule here at the Ischia Festival has made it impossible for me to write more often, as it has been a very interesting and memorable week. First, for all my friends who had thought about coming here as participants, I can only ... http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/05/14/chamber-music-thoughts-in-the-ischian-sun/   From the webstie- alfredschnittke.com   http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/05/11/my-state-of-mind/ Jen, over at Adventures of an Idaho Violist, has my post of the day on the perils of "wearwotchulike" gigs. Most gigs are great, because I can just slap on some black clothing, and be done with it, with little to no thought required. But something challenging like 'whatever you want' ... http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/05/09/post-of-the-day/ Day one of my visit to the Ischia Chamber Music Festival is nearly over. I swear, I do not seek extra adventure and uncertainty simply to keep the blog more captivating for readers, but some days it does seem as though someone in the producers’ office of the series that ... http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/05/09/ischia-day-one/ Ischia Chamber Music Festival Concerts Program Villa Arbusto, Lacco Ameno - May 11, 13, 16, 2008 - 9 pm May 11, 2008 - 9 pm M. Arnold - Piano Trio, op. 54 A. Schnittke - String Trio Y. Linkola - Piano Trio W.A. Mozart - Kegelstatt Trio Byron Wallis, violin David Yang, viola Kenneth Woods, cello Giuseppe Carannante, clarinet Aldo ... http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/05/07/upcoming-concerts-ischia-chamber-music-festival/ There was so much interest in earlier pieces about Jorja's Elgar Violin Concerto with us in Pendleton and then the Minnesota Orchestra last week, that I thought I would post some reviews. First, Larry Fuchsberg in the Star Tribue writes- Though Fleezanis has only lately taken up the Elgar concerto, she seems ... http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/05/07/fleezanis-elgar-reviews/ I returned from Pendleton last week as always experiencing a combination of euphoria, exhaustion, frustration, gratitude and buzzing from the experience. Every concert has its strengths and weaknesses- I thought this was one of our most coherent and focused performances, good in ways that reflect a long collaboration between conductor ... http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/05/06/thoughts-in-the-twilight-of-a-season/ Hi Everyone- Just a last, quick reminder that May 7th is the final application deadline for the Rose City International Conductor's Workshop, July 21-27 in Portland, Oregon. Please visit our website http://rosecityworkshop.org/ for lots of detailed information on repertoire, soloists and application instructions. I am joined on the faculty by Christopher Zimmerman of ... http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/05/04/rose-city-workshop-final-deadline-may-7/   You may say I have a superficial view of the world, but the world has always had a superficial view of me....   KW http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/05/02/quote-of-the-day-6/ Okay, I admit it.... I take a certain personal pride in this episode of "quote of the week...." "I haven't played that loud since the last time I played for you."  It was meant as a compliment, I think. I certainly took it as one. http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/04/26/quote-of-the-week/ The last time I was in Pendleton before this week was for our performance of the Elgar Violin Concerto with Jorja Fleezanis in February, a memorable week for all concerned. Funny that the week I return to Pendleton is the week she returns to the Elgar, this time with the ... http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/04/24/fleezanis-back-in-the-news/ I’m feeling a little frustrated at my current blogging output- it is just that time of year when one has to answer emails or one doesn’t work in the year to come…. Oh yes, there is also music to learn…. I’ve already shared a few thoughts about Brahms 1 in expectation of ... http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/04/24/tod-und-verklarung-a-study-in-hope/ Today was the annual youth orchestra school concert tour- three schools in three tiny towns to the north of Pendleton this year. This is a project we have undertaken in each of the six years since we started the orchestra, and, even more so than in past seasons, I found ... http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/04/22/preparatory-orchestra-retreat/ Travel is an inescapable part of life as a freelance conductor, and over the years I have flown hundreds of thousands of miles on Northwest Airlines, the only airline with service from Cardiff to Pendleton. My history with Northwest has not always been a happy one- I used to call them ... http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/04/20/bad-news-in-the-airline-industry/ Just one last reminder that tonight is the night for the broadcast of my recent concert with the Contemporary Music Ensemble of Wales on this week's edition of Hear and Now on BBC Radio 3. The concert is hosted by writer, critic and broadcaster Ivan Hewett and can be heard this ... http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2008/04/19/bbc-broadcast-reminder-contemporary-music-ensemble-of-wales/