Caroline Hong, Mother's Day and Rhapsody in Blue

Caroline Hong - Rhapsody in Blue So if you are an amateur pianist, I think it is necessary that you give back to the arts, in gratitude, for being able to play such an amazing instrument. I live in Worthington Ohio, about 1/2 hour from Columbus, Ohio, and I was involved with a group of people who raised funds and awareness to create an arts center from the original Thomas Worthington High School. That process, is a topic for another blog post. The Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington, as it is called, offers amazing programming, enhancing the cultural climate of our lovely, little city.

Since my adult children are out of town, my mom died in 2004, and my mother in law had other plans, I had to think of a way to have an enjoyable mother's day. My husband, Mark and I decided to attend the McConnell Arts Center Chamber Orchestra performance with Caroline Hong playing Rhapsody in Blue.

Let me digress for a moment about the Chamber Orchestra. Antoine Clark is the orchestra's music director, and frankly he is amazing. The concert had a bit of a casual feel, as Dr. Clark took the time to comment on the selections for the program entitled Symphonic Jazz. A clarinetist by profession, Dr Clark earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Clarinet Performance and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the Ohio State University. He took the time to make the audience feel right at home, and I think his commentary set the tone for a fun and creative first half. Selections by Ellington and Milhaud were amazing, and the first half of the concert concluded with Ragtime music by Scott Joplin.

I also add that my piano teacher Suzanne Newcomb, is the pianist for the Chamber Orchestra. A gifted musician in her own right, I never tire of watching Suzanne perform. Her focus, and determination comes through when ever her fingers meet the piano keys, and one can always count on her to create amazing collaborations with her fellow musicians. Suzanne is a gift to the Central Ohio arts community. So if you haven't taken time to hear this creative chamber Orchestra, you need to take a moment, look at the website, and firm up something on your calendar for the Fall/Winter season.

The second half of the concert was an amazing performance by Caroline Hong, of Rhapsody in Blue. Caroline is a very accomplished pianist and is currently an associate professor at The Ohio State University. Caroline plays in an elegant, sophisticated manner. But Rhapsody in Blue, showcases every aspect of a pianist's technique, and Caroline was able to move through the various elements of the work, with strength, stamina, style and grace. I am always amazed when I watch a pianist perform with any orchestra. Just looking at the orchestra, and watching a very poised Caroline Hong waiting for her cues, sent shivers up my spine. She played with such great strength and grandeur, and the orchestra gave a wonderful performance, of this familiar work. I think that Ms. Hong brought the Rhapsody to the people. Even if you have heard excerpts of this musical masterpiece over and over again, it is always wonderful, to hear a fresh take on the genius of George Gershwin.

 All and all, it was a great way to have a beautiful mother's day. And on that note, in the row behind us was, Caroline's husband and her sweet little son. I turned at the end, and saw him joyously clapping for his mom. He has so much to be proud of, and I am sure Ms. Hong was proud of his attentiveness during a glorious performance. Okay, my children were out of town, and my mom is in heaven, but the concert made the cherished Mother's Day holiday, quite lovely and amazing.