Clar.Meet Porto 2016!

From left to right: Radovan Cavallin, me, Lenin Izaguirre, Florent Heau, and Slavko Kovacic

Lines, Spaces, and Planes with Marcio Pereira, me, and Jeremy Wohletz

After concert selfie with Eric Mandat

We made it to Porto! It was quite the drive from Lisbon...we managed it without a sweat, except the flu we all managed to get on the way there.

From December 16th-19th, the Portuguese Clarinet Association organized their International Clarinet Festival hosted by the Conservatorio de Musica in Porto. On December 19th, we had the greatest opportunity to perform a homage program featuring Eric´s music.

It was a very busy time for us! We had to cram rehearsal time, meet at odd times during the day, practice like crazy people, and at the end of the day...we did it! As much as I admire Eric´s music, it can be a big challege at times to make sure all the metric changes, multiphonics, and the small musical nuances come out just right!

This program also featured Portuguese clarinetists, Nuno Pinto, Hugo Quieros, and Marcio Pereira! They were excellent contributions to this concert and it was such an honor to perform with them.

We made a lot of new friends, sang a lot of songs, and overall had a very good time. It was very humbling to hear and see young clarinetists performing for these international aritsts at the event. It was truly a privelage to see the different concerts to feel inspired to continue to make the best music we all can...no matter where you are in your life.