So it has been a couple of days since I started preparing for performance two Preludes and Fugues of Shostakovich... I've been asked by a few what I'm doing. So, here's what's been happening: T-5 - spent twenty minutes or so getting the a 'lay of the land', a quick skim through to identify any pitfalls (and boy are there many!) and then developing a strategy to conquer the pages. In summary, prioritise the fugues...! T-4 - this is where my mini-tomato method kicked in - inten

After the fun of working with a big group of amazing musicians over the weekend, this week it is back to solo piano...today is T-5 days until a mini-Shostakovich festival in Melbourne. Time to start learning two pieces which are brand new to me - Preludes and Fugues by Shostakovich...! So, here's hoping that my mini-tomato method will work...! (What is the mini-tomato method you say...?!) Concert is on Saturday 31st October at 5pm.

The past week was spent commuting to Geelong with Trio Anima Mundi to prepare for a performance of Beethoven's Triple Concerto with the Geelong Symphony Orchestra for the 'Beethoven Revealed' concert. What a wonderful performance it was on the weekend! Fabulous music-making - thank you GSO, Maestro Richard Davis, and TAM colleagues!