Monday, August 1

We gathered for our first rehearsals on “Summer Ballad,” a new song by Lauren Vandervelden which will be premiered by Rose Hegele and Sarah Cahill; “Oil Flowers,” a new duo violin piece by Skyler Baysa (inspired by Christopher Volpe’s “Plunging Rose”) premiered by violinists Nancy Zhou and Lucy Nemeth; Kodaly’s Duo for Violin and Cello which will be performed by violinist/composer Lauren Vandervelden and cellist Nick Reeves; and the first rehearsal of the slow movement from Fauré’s late Piano Trio in D Minor with violinist Nancy Zhou, cellist Nick Reeves, and pianist Audrey Vardanega. We capped off the day by having our first gathering and opening dinner at the home of Sharona Barzilay.

Tuesday, August 2

We started the day with a remote workshop with multi-instrumentalist and composer Chris Rippey. Chris gave the workshop from his studio in Boulder, CO and spoke at length about his musical path and the process of finding his voice as an artist.

“At the Foot of Winter’s Mountain” by Chris Rippey

In the afternoon, we gathered at the home of Julie Stokstad for a workshop with Nancy Zhou about the practical aspects of self-actualizing a career as a concert performer in the Western classical context.

We concluded the day with a lovely dinner with our host, Julie Stokstad, and breathtaking views of the Bay!

Wednesday, August 3

We started the day with a fascinating workshop with Erini, a Greek traditional vocalist. Erini spoke about the vocal tradition of Asia Minor, the use of microtones in Greek traditional music, the connections between her craft and her family history, and her hopes to collaborate with musicians who come from different traditions.

Korasion Etragoudage (Κοράσιον Ετραγούδαγε) | Live at Futura featuring Erini and Naseem Alatrash

Milad Yousufi and Christos Vayenas took advantage of their free afternoon by exploring Muir Woods, it was Milad’s first time!

Milad taking in the beauty of Muir Woods for the first time

Later in the afternoon, Rose Hegele, Sarah Cahill and Lauren Vandervelden gathered for an open rehearsal of Lauren’s piece for the residency, “Summer Ballad” which Rose and Sarah will perform this Saturday at our Community Concert.

Rose Hegele, Sarah Cahill and Lauren Vandervelden focused in rehearsal

Milad Yousufi then gave a group presentation about the folk music of India versus that of Afghanistan.

Christos led a short meditation session before we had our culminating improvisation and run-through session. Everyone shared something they are working on or creating, and it was greatly inspiring!!

Thursday, August 4

Good morning! We’re beginning the morning with a Zoom workshop with the realist impressionist painter Katie Swatland, based in Newburyport, MA.

We spent the afternoon at the Blue Willow Tea Spot in Berkeley, where we shared a tea tasting and a lengthy conversation about everyone’s artistic aspirations.

Friday, August 5

We started the day with a workshop with multimedia, film and TV composer Sara Barone. Sara shared some samples of her work and her work process with us over Zoom from her studio in Los Angeles!

In the afternoon, some of us met up at Sharona’s to hear Lauren and Nick run through some of their pieces for our culminating concert.

Rose Hegele and Sarah Cahill performing “Summer Ballad” by Lauren Vandervelden

Tuesday, August 16

Lucy Nemeth, Violin and Brady Anderson, Cello, shared a program paired with ciders at the Redfield Cider Bar in Oakland. Such a great way to cap off our residency week!

The Residency Diary

Reflections on Our week with Fine Artist Katie Swatland

In Conversation with Lauren Vandervelden