[img]541|left|Carter Dewberry||no_popup[/img]The flurry of my emotions matches the piano’s treble flourishes in the Ravel piece I am at this moment hearing at tonight’s Classical Underground concert.
Most of all, I am relishing being able to enjoy an eclectic performance in an informal setting. Nobody is even scowling at me as I scribble a mixture of poetry, commentary and this article in my notebook.
At the same time, tears threaten to mar my pen’s trail as I see how I am not alone in my decade-long dream to bring chamber music to today’s audience through innovative programs and a unique environment. After spending seven years producing Definiens concerts, not having to worry about acoustic issues or cringe at the impact the passing siren will have on my live recording is an immeasurable relief.
In the same vein, I feel incredible appreciation for all that Alexey Steele and his team (notably Maksim Velichkin, the music director) have put into this series for the past three seasons. I know more than many the countless hours that go into building a series from scratch. Swimming upstream against the currents of low audience turnout, rising production costs and insecurity around wondering if musicians will cancel at the last minute when they are offered a gig that will more easily allow them to make their rent payment requires unconditional commitment to a vision greater than oneself.
Lastly, I feel excited. I am slated to perform in one of the upcoming concerts. This opportunity to play for such an enthusiastic and open audience is magnified by the knowledge that I will be able to focus on my actual performance and not the number of chairs or tables that need to be set up beforehand. It’s like the dark chocolate frosting on an already delectable French vanilla layer cake.
I congratulate all those who are involved in producing, performing and supporting this musical feat, and I look forward to offering my contribution.
Please visit http://classicalunderground.blogspot.com/ to learn more about this amazing endeavor.
You can learn more about my efforts, The Definiens Project, at www.definiens.org.
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Ms. Dewberry is celebrating the release of her latest album, “Origins.”
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
