It was so nice to perform Kevin Puts’ marimba concerto last evening with Tomas Hong and the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra. One of my favorite things to do is speak to audiences before performances about the world of percussion. Performing a concerto written only for one instrument was also a nice change from the norm of the larger percussion set-ups that I am usually involved with.

When performing on stage last night I wanted to bring across the feeling of optimism which is the underlying message of the work. Being that I myself am known to be a foolish optimist, I carry this feeling with me always. What else is there in this life?

Thanks to everyone who made it out to the performance last night. It was great to see so many familiar faces.

Here’s to hope, freedom, optimism, and living in the present moment.

Until next time,

Lisa P.

Photos: (above) myself and conductor, Tomas Hong (below) rehearsal shot with WSO