2011.05.26

Mimi’s Annual Piano Recital — Nord Studio

Last Sunday, Mimi’s piano teacher, Merilee Nord, hosted the annual recital for her studio. The event took place at Kandel. The retirement home has a pretty good chamber music hall with a Steinway grand piano. Of course, your music sounds better when the facility is more upscale than what you get in the living room.

This is the 4th year that Mimi studies at her studio. I remember she was very nervous the first year of her performance. Mimi didn’t want to bow at the end. Merilee told her “you don’t need to bow. You can just look down at your toes. That counts too!” It worked like a miracle. Merilee is very good at working with younger children, to inspire their interests, even that means they need to do things they may not want to do…..

Both Mimi and Oly are Merilee’s student. Of course, these two will sit together to support each other.

Before the recital starts, Merilee called for a quick “briefing” for all performers. This helps the younger performers to understand the drill and what to expect.

Mimi chose two pieces of music for the recital. She got a chance to practice before the recital started. Of course, mommy will take any chance for a good recording.

Here is the link to see her practice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ig676KjFIA

Her first piece is a solo performanec, “Evening in Paris” by Mier. Here is the recording to the performance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6qcx-4jxbA

Mommy also recorded Olyl’s performance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbJqXBTyqMA

Mimi’s second piece was a duet, “Ecossaise” by Beethoven. Here is the recording:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txcQ1lBNc94

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufMziNPmxGI (ending with bow)

Since mommy needed to be on the stage to flip the page, she couldn’t do recording and photographing. Daddy is not good at multi-tasking so we only have recording to share.

At the end of the performance, it’s the tradition of the studio that Merilee will construct a “grand piano” with a variety of candies. She would take apart the piano and handed out the candies to each performers. This is a reward for their great work throughout the year. Of course, this is also the highlight of the program.