By a little song sparrow, I was reminded today of priorities and blind spots.
I’ve been so deeply immersed in bringing together a project called Shaping Reciprocity, which will debut next month, that I let the ball drop in some areas. The project is an exploration of interspecies empathy and reciprocity, through new works for harp and dance.
I’ve been so consumed with this that I put off applying window collision tape to a particularly deceptive window in my house.
Early this morning, I heard a loud thud… another bird had hit the window, very hard this time.
I went outside and, yes, the bird seemed seriously concussed.
Thanks to @safewingsottawa , I was referred to a local rehabilitation volunteer. Unfortunately, the sparrow passed away as I was driving to the clinic.
I bought the window collision tape and applied it.
I feel so remorseful that my delayed action cost this poor bird their life. Applying window collision tape is a simple action that saves precious lives.
I am very sorry to my sparrow friend 💜
Cartes blanches de la danse
April 1, 2026 @barminotaure
Congratulations to @marenkelliott and @jasminevanschouwen on the creation of this beautiful new series in Ottawa! It was an absolutely amazing experience of “eco-choreographic” works (borrowing a term from the program notes) performed throughout the evening at @barminotaure . Time evaporated in that space, which is exactly the kind of art that I love.
Congratulations to everyone who brought this concept to life, through choreography, poetry, dance, and of course all of the behind-the-scenes energy required for doing new things 💖
@marenkelliott@meli.nich@kendraguidolin@patriciakenny_artist@emmer_flynnt@jackhuilitster
Carnegie Hall.
I am reflecting today on the complex legacy of Andrew Carnegie. Later in life, he used his wealth to fund concert halls, libraries, educational institutions, scientific research, church organs, and many more things. But he made his money off the backs of unfairly-compensated workers, who also toiled in one of the most dangerous industries. The steel business itself, particularly his company, contributed greatly to industrial pollution, deforestation, water usage and contamination, and resource extraction.
I enjoy playing here, but l am grappling with more than the pretty image.
I’ll be in Chicago this week, followed by a mini whirlwind through Ann Arbor, New York City, Bethesda, and Boston, playing guest second harp alongside my dear pluck buddy @lemonylevin She most definitely loves and approves of my very professional nickname for us 😂😂😂 Most definitely.
In March, I’ll be back as guest principal with @vt_symphony and, in April, playing the gorgeous Chichester Psalms with @rideauchorale under the direction of the great Kevin Reeves. Which brings us to May and the premiere of a major project I’m co-developing through @harp.sparks with @voicesdance@jasminevanschouwen@jackhuilitster@autumn__eckman . More info coming very soon!
I am really enjoying connecting with composers, both new and experienced, through my @harp.sparks project and today in a workshop for @andrew_staniland at Memorial University! Might start offering these more often, virtually or in-person, so let me know if this interests you. 😊
Sidenote: I’ve worked with Andrew on several pieces, including a gorgeous solo for harp, voice, and electronics called “in between us, a sea,” plus chamber works for flute/harp (Exit Eden) and harp/cello (The Beauty of Reason). In case you’re looking for new rep! 😊
My mom would have been 69 today.
I think, often, of all the music she didn’t get to make. All the songs she might have written, had she lived longer or given herself more freedom from the image she believed she had to sustain. Had she freed herself from the injustice she endured, had she been free of great illness. Had she known real love.
I’ve spent the last year reflecting on what I really want in my life and working through big blockages that were holding me back. It has taken years, but my mom’s death ultimately taught me that we don’t have endless time to say what needs to be said. If you have an idea in your head, start working on it today. Go face whatever is holding you back right now. If you need support, it’s out there. If you struggle, like me, keep going. We don’t have endless time, but what we do have is a profound gift.
thanks to @idatedbobross for the thoughtful candle and to @sigurros for always having the right notes when I need them 💖
Yesterday was very special! This year, I decided to host a Christmas party and studio class for my students instead of a recital. I feel like kids (and adults) have such constant pressure to perform all the time and I just wanted to create a space for us to share music, learn from each other, and have fun together. It felt great and I hope to do this for many years! 💖
Last night, I was treated to two things: (1) watching my brother perform as the drummer for Pam Tillis for the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry, and (2) discovering that, apparently, I know absolutely nothing about music. I might have stayed awake during my doctoral degree, had we ever listened to anything else but Schubert. Poor Schubert. 😂 Irreverent jokes aside, it was really special to be at this show and to hear my brother play on such a treasured stage.
Swipe to see:
- the coolest 🌵 tie I’ve ever seen
- a clip of Charlie McCoy on harmonica
