Last Saturday was a joyous moment in my life, celebrating the release of my music catalog of nearly 100 original works. Six talented musicians joined me to bring my music to life. We performed in the company of wonderful friends. The short video above gives a sense of the party and concert.
The pictures below capture the people who helped make this event so special.
Party Arrivals and Musicians Hanging Out
Russell Introducing the concert
Russell performing Lumentanz from Periods of Luminance
Mezzo soprano Diana Tash singing Sacred Transitions. Diana previously premiered and recorded these songs with me. It was an honor to have her here to sing them again.
Paleface Piano Trio with Alisa Luera, violin; Nora Chiang Wrobel, piano; Charlie Tyler, cello. Off to the side we had a TV screen displaying the artwork of Jerry Kearns that provides counterpoint to this piece.
Violinist Alisa Luera, a LAYO alum who recently received her Masters in Violin Performance from UCLA
An expressive solo by cellist Charlie Tyler
Violist and LAYO Coach Bryan Gonzalez
Mulholland Fantasies Piano Quartet—Alexandre Tchaykov, Alisa Luera, Charlie Tyler, Bryan Gonzalez
Mulholland Fantasies Piano Quartet—Alexandre Tchaykov, Alisa Luera, Charlie Tyler, Bryan Gonzalez
Final Group Bow—Alex Chaykov, Alisa Luera, Charlie Tyler, Nora Chiang Wrobel, Diana Tash, Russell, Bryan Gonzalez.
I was surrounded by a group of talented musicians who put their hearts into the music.
Violist Bryan Gonzalez and violinist Alisa Luera
Russell with friends Jennifer and Paul Rappaport. It was Jennifer’s idea to have this Release Party and Concert. Thanks Jen.
Pianist Nora Chiang Wrobel, Russell, graphic artist and LAYO parent Jane Matsukovskaya. Jane created the poster and banner ad for this event. Thanks, Jane!
LAYO Financial and Grants Coordinator Julie Resh with Russell’s friend and donor Abby Myerson. Abby has been a treasured participant in my lectures and concerts for years.
Russell with cousin Debbie Rothstein and Wes Johnson. Debbie created a fantastic organization that opens the imagination of young people. www.afaeryhunt.com
Caroline Guttman and Russell. I’ve known Caroline since college. She did marketing for public TV station KCET and currently has been promoting the artwork of her mother, cartoonist Lee Guttman.
Pianist Alex Tchaykov, violinist Alisa Luera, violist Bryan Gonzalez, with Russell
Mezzo soprano Diana Tash, friends Gina and Howard Ader
LA Youth Orchestra student violinist Jason Foronda and his twin sister pianist
Russell with cellist Charlie Tyler
Pianist Alex Chaykov with my larger-than-life Consortium member Michael Morrison
Violist Bryan Gonzalez and Russell
Mezzo soprano Diana Tash and pianist Nora Chiang Wrobel
LAYO Orchestra Manager Elise Dewsberry with husband and LAYO Cello Coach Stephen Green
Elise Dewsberry, a beaming Kitty Podolsky, and Bonnie Janofsky, longtime friend, score editor, and even previously LAYO librarian.
LAYO Orchestra Manager Elise Dewsberry who also handled stage setups for this concert. Thanks, Elise!
Longtime listening fan and super-music listener Kitty Podolsky with Russell
Friends and Consortium members Michael Morrison and Jeff Summers. They look like characters and they are! We love ‘em.
Dr. Patrick Whelan MD, Ph.D., LAYO Board member, and friend. Patrick wears many hats, one of which is teaching a Harvard course titled Music and the Mind.
The musicians seemed to have a good time! Here relaxing are Alex Chaykov, Alisa Luera, Bryan Gonzalez, Nora Chiang Wrobel, and back of Charlie Tyler :)
Russell with Gina and Howard Ader. Howard is a wonderful clarinetist who was also a good friend of my mom’s.
Wes Johnson, Kitty Podolsky, Caroline Guttman, Russell, Abby Myerson
All of these people helped make this such a special occasion!