Music is My Calling
The challenges that I have experienced over the last three years, from the pandemic to the tragic loss of friends from various illnesses, have taught me that life is not permanent, and that our plans and dreams can be put on hold (or come to an abrupt and unplanned end) at any moment.
Over the last three years, I also realized that doing what you love in life is paramount. For some, that may be painting or running marathons. For me, that love is making music. While, I have always known this about myself, I put my dreams of making music on hold when I was younger to raise a family, believing I had time to revisit what was important to me later.
But, time is not on anyone’s side. You have to do what you love now.
I was fortunate to finally realize my dream of making music in 2016 when I formed the Vicente Chamber Orchestra. One of my conducting pedagogues, Dan Lewis, would tell his students that “a life of music” was better than a “career in music.” I didn’t really understand that in my early 20’s. Now, at almost 54, it makes sense to me; I view each concert as a gift, an opportunity to learn something new, to make new friends and, most importantly, to share my love of music with others.
So far, 2022 has been a gift of music to me. In April, I conducted the Vicente Chamber Orchestra in a concert featuring violinist soloist Joan Kwuon performing the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, followed by Schubert’s Symphony number 6. On Sunday, May 29, 2022, I have been invited to guest conduct the Santa Monica Symphony in a performance featuring works by Sibelius, Tchaikovsky and Dvorak.
I am honored and humbled by all the support I have had over the years as I built the Vicente Chamber Orchestra and I look forward to making more music on Sunday, May 29, 2022 with with the Santa Monica Symphony.
