Program Notes – September 21st 2025
The three pieces on today’s program are all atypical for their composers. George Gershwin, the most famous of all American composers, wrote primarily for the musical theater, as well as several classical pieces for orchestra. However, Gershwin published no chamber music, and the Three Preludes are the only pieces of classical music he wrote for […]
September’s concert – New Performer
As you know, I am usually joined by my friend Jerry Muntz for the concert. He has been opening up my concerts for 5 or 6 years now and he returns this year. We will play a Gershwin Prelude Number 2. In this recording, you will hear 4 cellos play it. Number 2 starts at […]
My Musical Pathway
My Musical Pathway I find it interesting… exciting… puzzling… even a little giddy-making, to be at this stage in my life. When I was a teenager, I thought I’d be the best cellist in the world and perform everywhere. I’m guessing there were a lot of college freshmen with the same dream. But I quickly […]
Ann Marie Pocklembo, violinist
Violinist Ann Marie Pocklembo was raised in Edison, NJ, and began studying the violin in 3rtd Grade. By the time she was in high school, she was playing orchestral concerts in Carnegie Hall, as well as traveling to Italy and China to concertize. She studied with the renowned soloist Erik Friedman, at Southern Methodist University […]
Yikes! Another Concert!
Well, yes, another concert! I mentioned that I had found several fabulous pianists in the wake of Jeff’s death. Nishan Agababian is one of them. He was a friend of Jeff’s and I got to know him as he and I helped his sister sort out Jeff’s effects. He actually bought Jeff’s piano – a […]
Performers on Oct. 20th Concert – Patrick Fink
Patrick Fink is someone I contacted with the question, “Do you know anyone who I could approach about playing with me?” I knew he was very busy both as a teacher and as a graduate student so I didn’t think he would be available. Much to my surprise and relief, he said “what about me?” I […]
Performers on the Oct. 20 Concert – Frances Slade
It’s a few weeks still before my recital, but I wanted to take a minute and introduce the new pianists I’m working with. Many of you know that after last year’s concert, Jeffrey Farrington, who I had worked with for around 30 years, died. He died of a heart attack on November 16, 2023. Whereas […]
Princeton Concert Scheduled! Oct. 20th
The date for my Princeton concert is finally, well, finalized. I got word from the Theological seminary that the date had been accepted so I can start promoting the event! Sunday, October 20th at 4:30 PM at the Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel This has been a tumultuous year. After last years resounding success of a […]
2024 Lake George Concert
I have scheduled my 2024 Lake George Concert for Saturday, August 17th. I’m thrilled to say that Patrick Fink, my new pianist is psyched for it and I am psyched to play with him. Patrick teaches at the Pennington school and at the Lawrenceville school. He is also a PhD candidate but I’m not sure […]
Upping My Game
Now that I’m collaborating with two new pianists, Nishan and Patrick, I realize the need to step up my game. Typically, I’ve had a full year to prepare for my fall performance, but both Patrick and Nishan consistently arrive at rehearsals much better prepared than I’m used to. Consequently, my practice and lesson regimen has […]
Jeffrey Farrington, RIP
I’m sorry to announce that Jeffrey Farrington, the pianist I have worked with for over 25 years, died on November 13th 2023. I will miss him.
Recital 2023 – Update
Here is the repertoire that we are playing on the October 8th Recital. BTW, it is at the Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel, formerly knows as Miller Chapel at 4:00 PM. It is open to the public so you can bring your friends. If you want to make sure to receive email updates, send me your […]
Aftermath – 2023 Princeton Recital
this years recital was magical. It my be a case of “you had to be there,” but I would have to say that it is one of the best memories I have. The weather was gorgeous, the timing was perfect, 138 people came, so it was a pretty full audience. And we played well. Jeff […]
Our New Dog
We finally did it. We got another dog. We wanted a playmate for our dog Banjo, who spent most of his time lying on the floor in the great room. He is only three. We saw him come alive around other dogs and just moped on days when he was alone. He needed a playmate! […]
Aftermath – Cello Duets at Stonebridge – June 5th, 2023 at 3:30
We played out concert and it was enormous fun! There were about 70 people in the audience, which is apparently unusual for an afternoon concert. I got lots of comments after the program at how professional we were and how much people enjoyed it. Mostly, though, the idea was to give my mother in law […]
My accupuncturist
May 31st I cannot say enough good things about my accupuncturist! She has been healing my hands and it looks like we are winning the game. I went into her a few months ago with hurting hands. The way I use my cello bow puts a lot of pressure on my index finger on my […]
Naming a dog
May 31st, 2013 We are planning on getting another dog to keep our current dog, Banjo, company. We notice how he is a different dog when there is another one around… more alert, more playful, more dog-like! We found an adorable dog, small, only 18 pounds. Banjo is 56 pounds. Seems uneven, but when we […]
Aftermath – Brahms e minor Sonata – May 10 and 12, 2023
May 15th 2023 Wow, two performance of the Brahms e minor in one week. They went well. The first was with a group called the Music Club of Princeton. We were third on the program after a Beethoven sonata and a Ravel piano piece (sublime!). My pianist, Frances Slade, played the Beethoven and then the […]
Renaissance Man
Steve Hiltner, one of the people in our Documentary theater group invited us to come to a performance he was doing at the Princeton Library. Knowing what it’s like to put together an audience, Paul and I decided to go to “support” our fellow theater guy. Well, it turns out he is terrific. He plays […]
Aftermath Concert at Lake George Aug 20, 2023
The concert at lake George is over for 2023 – whew! It is always a bit challenging for both of us. Jeff is on a smaller (MUCH smaller) piano with different action and voicing – a whole different feel. It’s not as bad for me since I have the same instrument. It’s always good to […]