2024 and 2025

The last weeks of 2024 slipped by with a myriad of activity.  I conducted several concerts of primarily the Snowman (Howard Blake) with Jonge Strijkers. This was a challenge that I hadn't anticipated, but a brilliantly fun one.  Syncing 25 minutes of orchestral music to a film in which mere seconds make or break the concert is exciting, if not slightly terrifying.  It was a great learning experience, and to my surprise, we pulled it off quite well.  There is one more concert on the 19th of January, and it is again, sold out.  

The kids and I popped out to Belgium directly after the concert on the 21st, and enjoyed a short but sweet little holiday before we pulled off a splendid Christmas at home on the 25th.  

Looking back on this year, it has been quite a ride, emotionally and for my career.  As every year slips by, it's easy to forget, especially in the flurry of activity as a career woman and a mother, how incredibly much was done in one single year.  From conducting various orchestras and choirs, setting up my own foundation, singing in many different ensembles and tours, playing violin with my daughter, participating in Maestra, teaching in a quite large number of elementary schools and developing my own music method, it's no wonder that I felt quite empty.  I spent the last hours of 2024 curled up on my coach with my cat, reading a book and enjoying the solitude.  

I'm picking up the thread with enthusiasm.  My first two days with two schools left me with a grin on my face.  It's time to make music again.