The Other East Coast

I jokingly refer to either Hong Kong or North Carolina (and thereabouts) as “the other east coast”, depending on whom I’m speaking to. I think there’s something to having grown up next to the ocean, be it the Atlantic or the Pacific. I’ve always enjoyed having the ocean nearby, or just the concept thereof, even if I am not always willing to actually get in. Living close to a large body of water gives the illusion of expanse, even though I spend most of my time pounding my head against the proverbial (emphasis on “proverbial”) piano.

I just got back from a performance with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, where they played my new piece The Queen’s Gramophone on a concert with the Mendelssohn violin concerto and Beethoven’s 8th symphony. I enjoyed Mr. Matthew Trusler’s playing a whole lot, even if it’s a bit controversial. (Maybe you’re reading this, Matthew, but I was defending your interpretations post-concert to some colleagues. And – Why not? I sure enjoyed hearing a Mendelssohn which I truly have *never* heard before.)

Did I mention that it’s the year of Mendelssohn? But come now, when isn’t it the year of Mendelssohn? (Was I being ironic? …who knows anymore.)