Tonight I performed a the Rex Hotel with soprano Ji Young Yang and countertenor Gerald Thompson. Words can’t describe how exciting it was to work with Ji Young again and also to get to perform with Gerald and with a countertenor for the first time. I’ve known Ji Young since 2006 and played on her NEC recital. The rehearsals were really amazing–just such positive and musical energy flowed everywhere. As the guitarist providing support, it’s incredibly easy when the singers know what they want, can produce it, and can communicate it effectively. It was a privilege to work with these musicians, and I have to thank SF Performances for this opportunity as well.
I remember the first rehearsal I had with Ji Young back at NEC in Boston — Tarrago’s arrangement of “Campanas de Belen”. When she sang the first note, the first syllable, my jaw dropped. Her sound was so pure, so controlled, so heart-warming to listen to and to accompany.
Tonight’s program also featured “Pur ti miro” from Monteverdi’s Poppea. The first rehearsal of that also made my jaw drop — they blended so well, the dissonances were so heart-wrenching and the consonances so relaxed; so much color resonated throughout.
