Recognition and Gratitude

Today, more than a week after my Rossini seminar, my students are still talking about it.
(Note to self: Definitely a good sign!)
This morning one of my “regulars”, Ms. Betty, told me how much she loved the opera night and then added: ‘You know, I don’t really like opera that much!’
I was shocked to hear that, because out of all my students Ms. Betty is the most passionate one! Never missed a class!
‘Betty, I said, I thought you love opera – you are always so happy to come to my seminars!’
“That’s right , she said, but that’s because I like the way you speak about opera.
(Wow!!!! Really????!!!!)
‘But, she continued , that opera was extraordinary!
It was so real! The last opera you showed [La Boheme, the movie – R.] was distant and cold. And this Barber of Seville [Bartlett Sher’s 2007 production] was so vibrant, so alive that it almost felt like you can reach out and shake their hands!
And their voices - ah! I never heard voices like that before.
And you know, she continued, when he [Juan Diego Florez] sang that aria at the end [Cessa di piu resistere], I almost cried because it was so good!
(So did I. I did have tears in my eyes the first time I heard Juan Diego's Cessa - because it was so good!!!)
Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

I will never get tired of saying how wonderful my students are. They always make me feel so needed and so good about what I do. I know that they are grateful to me, but I am not less grateful to them for their interest, passion and desire to learn about music.
Cheers to you all, my dear students: devoted friends, passionate music lovers and talented listeners!
Thank you for letting me discover and re-discover the miracle of music through you and together with you!