Dicen en español que “todo es pasajero,” y me encanta la idea de que sea cierto. Hace más llevadero lo difícil, y más precioso y delicado lo que más amamos. Por eso es un placer para mí pensar en la constancia de la práctica y de la música en mi vida.

I first interacted with Ricardo’s work in 2015, back when I lived in Venezuela. My dearest Horacio and Natali had organized the “I Festival Iberoamericano de Violoncello, Ciudad de Barquisimeto.”

The second piece on the program is a fun one! From its name to its exploration of syncopation and polyrhythm that keeps one on their toes: “Pizziquitiplás” by Paul Desenne is a piece like no other. 

In preparation for my recital this Thursday, April 3rd, I have decided to give some more information and context for the program I will be presenting with the help of my friends. 

The first piece on the program is Modesta Bor’s Suite for Cello and Piano, composed in Moscow, Russia in 1961 for the Spanish cellist Luis García Renart.

Los que me conocen, saben lo innato que es para mí hacer las cosas rápido: pensar rápido, hablar rápido, resolver rápido. Así que esta nueva meta de hacer exactamente lo opuesto no es necesariamente la más fácil. Pero, paradoxically enough, no es tampoco la más difícil.

My latest favorite function on these little devices we all own. In all honesty, my ideal practice space has no room for my phone to be around. But, when I have no choice but to keep it around, I try my best to make sure that (1) it is out of my sight and reach, and that (2) the sweet “do not disturb” mode is ON. 

These past few weeks have been challenging in knowing where to direct my efforts. I’ve been here before, and although it is not the most fun, I have historically gotten out of these kinds of funks. How?…

I enjoy performing, I always have. This has made it easy for me to stay present every time a concert rolls around. I am constantly aware of how lucky I am that I get to do this for a living, and I am careful not to take it for granted. 

Today I do my best to: hold on. To grab and savor my last concert as a University of Michigan student in —the one and only— Hill Auditorium. I do my best to: feel the tears down my face, and be reminded of the impermanence of the present moment.

Being able to separate the “before” and “after” recital rush has been key to help me rethink and reorganize what my priorities and responsibilities are. At the moment, I find myself: reworking my sleep schedule, going back to basics on the cello, prioritizing moving my body and fitness, preparing new music, and, at the forefront of it all, finding awareness in all of those activities. 

After my last post, I wanted to share how I DO use technology to benefit me in the practice room! My iPad is a must when going into the practice room, and if you ever see me practicing without my top two apps both pulled up… no, you didn’t! 

Having that extra screen out of sight (given that I use my iPad at all times when I am practicing), with no chance of checking any texts, emails, or notifications, has been a game-changer to the general flow of my practice.