Archive for July, 2009
Los Angeles Public Library 7/24/09
Friday, July 24th, 2009I love libraries! I always feel there are millions of treasure whenever I am in libraries. I have been living in LA for about 10 years, and I don’t know how many books I have checked out from Los Angeles Public Libraries. The central branch has a great collection of music as well. I use it when I research for new repertoire or just curiosity. Lately I have been going through many pieces to choose for next year’s concert programs, and of course the library is one of resources I use. Youtube and Google are good ones too! It is amazing we can find almost everything on Youtube! I think myself as a good sightreader, but it is always good to hear an actual sound played by someone. I have found some of great music to play for coming season!! FYI: UCLA music library is the best music library in California, or even in west coast. You can see their collection in their website. It is really amazing!
Also Los Angeles Public Library-Little Tokyo branch is a fun place for Japanese, like me! I never seen so many Japanese books in American libraries. They carry most of major newspapers and magazines in Japanese, and interesting books. When I have extra time before I shop at the Japanese grocery store I drop by and enjoy feeling home. Again I can’t remember how many Japanese books I checked out from this library. Los Angeles Public Library has a great service to request for hold. It means you can check the books you want to check out and ask to bring to your local library. It is convenient if you can wait because it takes few days to few weeks to get your books.
We pay BIG tax so it is good to use public service!
Woody Allen Movie-Whatever Works 7/12/09
Sunday, July 12th, 2009Yes, we should take “whatever works”! And we have to be true to ourselves. Some outfit looks great on Ms. A, and if I try to copy it it may look good in my mind, but that outfit may not fit to my body or I may actually look funny in that dress–. You know what I mean. Everybody has different mind, body, skin color, height, weight, desire, concept, occupation, hobby–. Recently I went over my closet, and I was reminded that too! We have to listen our voices and to look into our eyes. This movie has a very hopeful message, and full of Woody’s humor!
Timothy Andres-How can I live in your world of ideas? 7/6/09
Monday, July 6th, 2009I have mentioned before that I heard Timothy Andres (we call him Timo) at Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Green Umbrella concert, and I fell in love with his piano piece called “How can I live in your world of ideas?”. Do you know what I found after I came back from the trip in the end of June??? Timo mailed me his piano piece for me!!!! Since the day I received his piece (except I was gone for another unmusical trip for 5 days) I have been figuring out this great piece. As Timo told me this piece requires big hands, like Timo, Liszt, and Rachmaninov. I can reach 10th with my left hand (I need to stretch my left hand with maximum strength!), and 9th with my right hand. So I need to figure out some of the big chords to fit to my little hands (!). Other than that I am really enjoying playing this cool piece every day. I am aiming to perform at the concert in Pasadena in August. Thank you very much, Timo!
In September I have a big tour to Japan, and I am starting to prepare for this tour which includes several programs, but mainly all American music! This tour is partially sponsored by the US State Department. I will post soon for detailed information about those concerts in Japan.
