Harmony in Action: A Pianist’s Performance for a Cause

          I was so honored to give my debut solo recital yesterday night (January 20th 2024), featuring works of Chopin and Beethoven as a fundraiser for ONE ALWAYS MATTERS. This performance meant a lot to me, not only as a performer, seeking to share the repertoire I have studied these past years with precision and compassion. I also wanted to share more lyrical pieces (e.g.: Schumann Traümerei and Liszt Transcendental Etude No. 3 “Paysage”)  as a prayer and a contribution of my love of music to raise funds that will help people.  I am so happy that my hard work to share this beautiful music has raised over $6000, which will help those in need.  I had hoped that by putting as much as I could into sharing this music, I could send good into this world where there is also so much bad. So, when Bindia asked me two months ago to contribute to One Always Matters by giving a solo recital, I accepted, and I spent the last two months preparing a performance that utilized my current repertoire in an hour-long performance (which I played completely by memory). I also integrated contemporary classical pieces by Philip Glass, a short piece that I composed myself and one that my wonderful composition teacher Richard Danielpour invited me to world premiere for this event. I played Danielpour’s piece “Surrounded by Angels” from my heart, and I played it as an epilogue which represents redemption and love being found after the dramatic narrative events of the program preceding it. My composition teacher taught me that a key part of being a musician is to share your love and to be generous. This recital was my attempt to do that. And my wonderful piano teacher taught me that you can put your all into beautiful pieces, even if they may seem too hard or you might not feel ready, and through them, you can share love and hope with others. Thanks so much to Bindia and to ONE ALWAYS MATTERS and many thanks to my wonderful teachers Richard Danielpour and Stefano Greco. I could not have done this without you. Many thanks to Ronn Yedidia, who spent so much time supporting and encouraging me. And many thanks to my friends who came to support me, and to those who watched online, and to my wonderful family.

George Socolow