Russian composers invade D.C.

Haochen Zhang plays Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with Piotr Gajewski conducting the National Philharmonic at the Music Center at Strathmore/photo by Patricia Leslie

It was last month, and I do not think the Trump/Putin bromance (or sanctions or something worse?) had anything to do with the presentations since they were planned long before those two got together, and whatever, it was heaven!

The front row? The front row?

I got the last ticket on the front row at Strathmore.

Haochen Zhang plays Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with Piotr Gajewski conducting the National Philharmonic at the Music Center at Strathmore/photo by Patricia Leslie

National Philharmonic Conductor Piotr Gajewski, right, and guest artist Haochen Zhang congratulate each other and the orchestra at the conclusion of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 at the Music Center at Strathmore/photo by Patricia Leslie

Starting off that weekend was the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center which played the Eighth Symphony by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) to celebrate what would have been the 90th birthday year of cellist and former NSO conductor and music director, Mstislav Rostropovich (1927-1997). 


Shostakovich was one of the honoree's teachers whom Rostropovich called "the most important man in my life, after my father."

In the program, "A Salute to Slava" (the nickname for Rostropovich), violinist Gidon Kremer played a concerto by  Mieczysław Weinberg (1919-1996) under the direction of the renowned NSO Christoph Eschenbach (who's leaving the place, thanks to the perfectionists in this town who are never happy). 

 National Philharmonic Conductor Piotr Gajewski, right, and guest artist Haochen Zhang congratulate each other and the orchestra at the conclusion of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 at the Music Center at Strathmore/photo by Patricia Leslie

Kremer, one of the world's leading violinists and winner of many international prizes, began studying music at age four with his father and grandfather, both distinguished musicians themselves.  

Never have I seen as many people at the NSO as were there that Friday night, and half, I think, were Russians.  Many newcomers were in the hall, made known by their clapping between movements. But, they were there.

National Philharmonic Conductor Piotr Gajewski, right, and guest artist Haochen Zhang congratulate each other and the orchestra at the conclusion of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 at the Music Center at Strathmore/photo by Patricia Leslie


Then, two days later at Strathmore was my favorite composer, Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943), whose Piano Concerto No. 2 was played by the young and debonair, Haochen Zhang, under the direction of Piotr Gajewski for the National Philharmonic.

Was it possible, a dream that I sat on the front row? On the pianist's side?

Haochen Zhang completes Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with National Philharmonic Conductor Piotr Gajewski at the Music Center at Strathmore/photo by Patricia Leslie

Only when I arrived at the Concert Hall did I realize the 
superb placement of my seat, the very last "cheap seat" ($23) which was available to me for purchase on Saturday, a gift to be seated just below Mr. Zhang's whip like fingers which I could watch move up and down the keyboard while he and Conductor Gajewski frequently exchanged meaningful glances.  

Or maybe that's the way it always is, between maestro and artist but my golden eagle's eye of what was happening lay before me.

Before Mr.Zhang touched one key, a hush filled the house, attendees knowing what pleasure awaited them (who did not clap between movements). 

National Philharmonic Conductor Piotr Gajewski, left, and Haochen Zhang congratulate each other at the Music Center at Strathmore/photo by Patricia Leslie

 

National Philharmonic Conductor Piotr Gajewski, left, and Haochen Zhang receive acclaim at the Music Center at Strathmore/photo by Patricia Leslie

Mr. Zhang did not have to watch his hands on the piano.  He frequently looked up at the conductor, waiting for a nod (or perhaps it was the other way around) while his fingers raced up and down the keyboard, and I believe his eyes were sometimes shut while he played, since my perspective, below and behind him, did not lend itself to confirm exactly what or where his eyes were doing or going.

But I could see his hair rustle when he leaped a few inches off the bench after a heavy pounding as if he had received an electrical shock. Meanwhile, the conductor weaved and bobbed and curled as if in Olympic competition, batonless, nodding, smiling when he turned halfway around to lock eyes with the guest star.

Pictures were verboten, but as I sat there and listened, I realized I would have to suffer the consequences and the anticipated verbal blows from those around me, because it was a gift, a gift, I tell you that I was there, right in that very seat, forced by circumstance to "fire away," and I did!

Heave ho!

Please forgive the poor quality of the photographs, but in stealth did I snap. And no one came to bid me "adieu" or much worse.

The best photograph would have had Mr. Gajewski standing in the background while he and Mr. Zhang exchanged glances, but I had to carefully choose timing for the crime (last movement, without clapping) in order to incur less wrath.  

(Before the performance began, I asked a startled usher who remained speechless but tried to smile, if I could take photos, please, during the presentation, and realizing my gaffe, told her: "We'll pretend we never had this conversation.")

Would anyone be surprised to learn Mr. Gajewski has a law degree, a license to practice law in two states, and formerly served on the city council in Rockville, Maryland?  He studied under Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, Andre Previn, and is also the principal guest conductor of the Silesian Philharmonic in his native Poland.

Meanwhile, Mr. Zhang, 26, of China, a graduate of Philadelphia's Curtis Institute of Music, won a gold medal at the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2009 and performs around the world.  

Also on the program and not to be overlooked was the memorable Symphony No. 8 by Antonin Dvorak, born (1841) and died (1904) in his native Czech Republic.

I was in love.  Just in time for Valentine's Day.

Next up for the National Philharmonic at Strathmore this Saturday, February 18, will be Brian Ganz to play Chopin's Nocturnes, Polonaises, Mazurkas, and Etudes, under the direction of Conductor Gajewski.

And over at Ken Cen February 16 - 18, violinist Hilary Hahn will join the NSO to play Mendelssohn, Strauss, Janacek, and Dvorak.

I believe I can attend both. 

patricialesli@gmail.com 

Free jazz concert, Feb. 1, St. John's, Lafayette Square

Jazz singer Sara Jones

Did someone say Billie Holiday?   

Jazz singer Sara Jones, the winner of a Billie Holiday competition, will present a free lunchtime concert at St. John's Episcopal Church on Lafayette Square Wednesday to sing the greats of Cole Porter and George Gershwin, among other composers.

Accompanying her for Winter Escape will be Steve Heberman on the guitar and Paul Langosch, bass.

St. John's quotes Ms. Jones describing the concert as "jazz standards and Brazilian bossa novas that will keep you warm during this wintry and blustery season.  With songs lovingly curated from the Great American Songbook, we will explore songs about love of travel, love of warmth, and love of life!"  

A prelude to Valentine's Day!

The concert is one of St. John's First Wednesday Concert series, presented without charge.
 
St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, DC/Photo by Patricia Leslie

St. John's was founded in 1815 and is known to Washington residents as the yellow church at Lafayette Square. It's often called the “Church of the Presidents” since beginning with James Madison who was president from 1809 to 1817, every president has attended services at the church. A plaque at the rear of St. John's designates the pew where President Abraham Lincoln often sat when he stopped by the church during the Civil War.  

Benjamin Latrobe, the architect of the U.S. Capitol Building, designed St. John's Church in the form of a Greek cross.  

The church bell, weighing almost 1,000 pounds, was cast by Paul Revere's son, Joseph, in August, 1822, and hung at St. John's that November where it has rung ever since. Wikipedia says two accounts report that whenever the bell rings on the occasion of the death of a notable person, six male ghosts appear at the president's pew at midnight and quickly disappear.  (Who are the six?)

Following tradition, President Donald J. Trump and his family began his presidency on the morning of January 20, 2017 with private services at St. John's.

For those on lunch break Wednesday, food trucks are located at Farragut Square, two blocks away.
 
A concert not to miss! 

Who: Jazz vocalist Sara Jones

What: First Wednesday Concerts

When: 12:10 p.m., February 1, 2017

Where: St. John’s, Lafayette Square, 1525 H Street, NW, at the corner of 16th, Washington, D.C. 20005

How much: No charge

Duration: About 35 minutes

Wheelchair accessible

Metro stations: McPherson Square (White House exit), Farragut North, or Farragut West

For more information: Contact Michael Lodico, St. John's director of music ministry and organist, 202-270-6265 or Michael.Lodico@stjohns-dc.org
 
Other dates and artists of the First Wednesday Concert Series are:
 
(The first Wednesday in March is Ash Wednesday.)

April 5: Soloists from St. John's Choir will sing.

May 3: Thomas Smith, the director of music at Christ Church, Georgetown, will play A Journey to Merrie Olde England - A Recital of English Organ Music.

June 7: Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 will be played by the U.S. Air Force Strings with trumpeter Mary Bowden.


patricialesli@gmail.com

The 2017 Presidential Inauguration and Parade

 

The Pride of the Southland Band from the University of Tennessee at the West Building, National Gallery of Art, Inaugural Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

 The U.S. Capitol, Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Dear All, yes, I know I'm a week+ late, but "better late than never," and here are some photos of the big event last week in Washington, D.C., the inauguration of Donald J. Trump on Jan. 20, 2017.  Above, sharp shooters are stationed high  over the speakers and members of Congress, former presidents, wives, members of the U.S. Supreme Court, and many others seated below.

Approaching the U.S. Capitol, Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie 

We had orange standing room tickets and had no problems entering the U.S. Capitol grounds, saw short or no lines, and far fewer people than at either of Barack Obama's inaugurations when I had a seat at both events (courtesy of a lobbyist).

Law enforcement at the Capitol was not too gruff, unlike the strict ones a few hours later who examined everything (taking apart my compact!) for parade admittance at the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor.

The U.S. Capitol grounds, Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie 

Early in the morning, entering the orange standing room side.  The picture captures the gray and gloomy day.  At least, it wasn't too cold, and the wind was absent.  Yes, a few drizzles of rain, but nothing like the forecasts predicted.

The U.S. Capitol grounds, Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie 

Since I had virtually no Northern Virginia friends going to the inauguration (an indication of the local lack of interest), my out-of-town family and I decided to take a chance and try and find a parking spot at the East Falls Church Metro station (normally packed on weekdays).  Voila!  Plenty available at 7:15 a.m., and the Metro was far less crowded than on a typical work day.

We arrived at the Capitol a little after 8:15 a.m. (plenty of police at the Metro stations) and stood in one spot a total of four hours since the swearing-in began at 11:30 a.m. and lasted about an hour.  If you left your group to go to the portable john (toilet paper in good supply all day, another indicator of smaller crowds v. 2009 and 2013), it was extremely difficult to find your friends later. We stood behind the big wall where Number One Guests (Congress, et al.) sat.  Not a great spot for viewing pleasure. (Please see below.)

The U.S. Capitol, Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

 My children refused to move from our original spot so we could have a better view of the big screen without tree branches. A mother always listens to and obeys her children.

The U.S. Capitol, Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

 I haven't read this anywhere else, but I think President Trump neglected to mention President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter when Mr. Trump recognized former presidents in Trump's introductory remarks. 

Previous to the omission, thousands of Republicans at the Capitol warmly greeted the Carters when they descended the steps to the platform, and the crowd was almost as welcoming to the Obamas when they emerged from the Congressional shelter at the top of the steps.

The reception for Bill and Hillary Clinton was not unexpected, one of loud boos and some choruses of "lock her up!"  which rang out every time Hillary's face later appeared on the big screen.

Whether you voted for her or not, you must admire Hillary's bravura, poise, and attendance at the inauguration and the luncheon afterwards, unlike 60 or so of her Democratic friends in the U.S. Congress who started the Trump presidency on the wrong foot with their announced rejections of the invitations to the inauguration.  How can you negotiate when you don't communicate?

However, at the swearing-in, the loudest boos were reserved for U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y) because he talked so long and began a history lesson.  (Attention:  Inaugural speakers, including preachers and excluding the president: Please consider those standing in the cold and speak no more than 90 seconds!  Thank you.)

Why was Schumer given so long to speak?  Because the opposition party gets on the agenda?  Who chooses or chose him?  Even I, a Democrat, became weary, and after a little while, none, repeat none, of his words could be heard among the thousands booing and screaming for him to sit down.

It seemed like Florida sent most of its Republicans who voted for Trump to the inauguration since throughout the day, about 75% of the folks we talked with came from the Sunshine State. 

One lady, who I believe said she was from Sumter County north of Orlando, told me 89% of registered Republicans in her county turned out to vote!  That's an incredible number.  One of their canvassers was a 99-year-old woman on a walker.  Folks, in 2020, I am certain the Democrats will have that kind of enthusiasm, anger, and energy to boot the Republicans out the door (if we are not under martial law then). It will happen in 2018, too.
From the U.S. Capitol, Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie 

The Obamas make their departure in the helicopter above, and some Republicans told me they were sad.  So were we!  Fare thee well! When George Bush's helicopter flew over the Capitol on January 20, 2009, thousands on the ground cheered and applauded his exit. (See a picture here.) 

 
At the U.S. Capitol, Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
 This couple got their way!  (And their men.) 
 
Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017 near First and C streets, NW/Photo by Patricia Leslie 

After the ceremony ended, we exited on the Constitution Avenue side of the Capitol and headed to Union Station for something to eat before the parade began. Protesters up ahead (someone said they were Jesus protesters) blocked and slowed us down until law enforcement opened a barricade to let we the people out.

For various reasons, we wound up at the Alibi restaurant where a 20% tip was automatically added to the entire bill with tax.  Questions:  Is this because we were a party of three?  It was a special day?  We had no Alibi?  I try to avoid eating in the District for tricky reasons like this!

On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie 

We stood in front of the Frances Perkins Labor Building (only three barricades between us and the parade participants) to watch the parade where these young fellows on the fence line were overtaken by sleep. See the progression of the little one on the left in the photos below.

On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
At last the parade began with military leading the way.

On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

These marchers are, I think, members of the U.S. Coast Guard.

On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Minutemen from 1812 came.  Long life!

On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Maybe these are minutemen who play the flute.  Flutists from 1812.

On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Ahoy, mates!  Photographers on trucks ahead!

On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

President Trump may be in the back seat with thumb up.

Near the Frances Perkins Building, U..S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.,  Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie 

A patriot from Montana

 

Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

 

Proudly marching were the Pipes & Drums of the Emerald Society of the New York City Police Department, comprised of the relatives of the Irish who came to this nation to find a better life. (Hope President Trump doesn't lock out their brothers and sisters who may wish to come over.)
 
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie 

The Pipes & Drums of the Emerald Society of the New York City Police Department
 
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie 

"Victories for Veterans." I may be able to explain part of those empty bleacher seats.

For Barack Obama's second inauguration, I bought a parade seat ticket ($44), but when I finally got around to the gate (having exited on the Independence Avenue side of the Capitol-mistake!-from the swearing-in, forced by barricades to walk to the Washington Monument and up 18th to reach the parade gate at 14th and F), the Secret Service refused to let me in.  It might have been because the Obamas were near and walking up Pennsylvania Avenue. Ticket holders for parade seats for Trump's inauguration may have also been denied entrance for this reason. 

A Falls Church couple we met on the Metro returning home later that night (2017), said hundreds did not get in or on the Mall grounds for Trump's swearing-in because Security took so long. I do know law enforcement was strict and exacting when checking at the security gates for parade admission.  (BTW, I fought and got back my $44 from the 2013 whatever committee.)
 
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie 

West Monroe High School Marching Band, West Monroe, Louisiana in front of the West Building, National Gallery of Art

Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Long Island, NY
 
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Long Island, NY
 
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

The renowned Texas State University Strutters mix it up with a very important fellow (in yellow) at the parade, a pooper scooper.  It was the Strutters' second inaugural parade: Their first was JFK's in 1961.  Those struts must be the secret to their maintaining youth and beauty for they have not aged a day.
 
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Members of the Marching Tornadoes from Talladega College, Talladega, AL, a college founded in 1867 by two former slaves. Their march in the 2017 Inaugural Parade was not without controversy.

 

Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Members of the Marching Tornadoes from Talladega College, Talladega, AL, high step in front of the West Building, National Gallery of Art.

Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Members of the Marching Tornadoes from Talladega College, Talladega, AL, at the West Building, National Gallery of Art.

Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Boy Scouts of America

Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

 Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Families of America's Fallen Heroes, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie 

The Pride of the Southland Band from the University of Tennessee.  Parade watchers joined the music and sang "Rocky Top" when the band marched by.

Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie 

The Pride of the Southland Band from the University of Tennessee at the West Building, National Gallery of Art.

 Who'll be marching in 2021?

patricialesli@gmail.com