Reflections and Updates

During my last month in India, I was contacted by Nikhil Sardana, a Mumbai-based journalist and Western Classical music advocate. He is deeply invested in helping to transform the Symphony Orchestra of India, now comprised mainly of foreigners, into an ensemble which reflects India and celebrates Indian musicians. His online magazine Serenade, is an excellent resource for industry news stories and other cultural events happening around the country.

Nikhil was very interested in my work after reading an article entitled "Heal the World" in the Bangalore Mirror about my strings workshop project at the Bangalore School of Music. He asked me to write a piece summarizing my experience as a Fulbright Scholar in India. So if you're curious about my year in India, here is the article entitled "Finding my Path: Exploring Music in India as an American Cellist and Educator" which features some great photos and a quick recap of my experiences.
 
In other news, I recently returned from my third year teaching at the YES Academy programs in Erbil, Kurdistan, and Beirut, Lebanon. I am always moved and amazed by the genuine warmth, generosity, kindness and overall goodness I experience in the Middle East. I feel like students I only see once a year for a few weeks are some of my dearest and most treasured friends. Thanks to my fearless and passionate colleagues, you are all astounding artists and human beings, and to the peerless American Voices staff. YES2018!

The awesome cello section at YES Lebanon

Jammin'

The Baroque Ensemble

Conducting the YES Orchestra in Erbil

Cello Ensemble from Kurdistan and Iraq

I also had the honor of returning to El Salvador for a third summer as a Program Coordinator with MusAid. We had an all-star team of eight phenomenal guest teachers from all over the world and it was perhaps the most successful project with El Sistema El Salvador to date!

Last day thank you card from the students

Performing at the Teatro Nacional

Stuffing ourselves with pupusas

I'm off to Turkmenistan in under a month for my fourth (and final) cultural diplomacy project with the US Embassy and the Turkmen National Conservatory. More news to come!

With my wife, Kim Mai Nguyen, in Erbil