Hey there!

So I just got back from a concert with the All-Stars  in Vancouver, BC and I must say this is one of the most charming cities I have ever seen. We stayed on Granville Island in a charming hotel on a boulevard quite reminiscent of  Toon Town if I may say so. All the stores and cafés are so colorful and cute, the roads are cobble-stoned and people sing romantic french songs in the square on Monday mornings.  I was salivating at every bakery and deli and I actually had time to drink my coffee sitting down instead of spilling it on myself as I chase down a taxi. And get this, cars in Vancouver stop for you to walk across the street. There are very few blinking RED HANDS lurking about. My friend remarked that he has recently commited to waiting on the sidewalk  for the light to change instead of the normal, three feet from the curb–ready to dash to the next block stance I have become quite accustomed to since moving to the city. I think he may have something there. Just because NYC is fast paced, doesn’t mean we can’t slow things down a bit from time to time.

The concert was at the Chan Centre at UBC. FABULOUS HALL is all I have to say. The acoustics are superb and so was the crowd. I had the most wonderful time playing with the All-Stars as well. The best part is that all the instruments are amplified in this group, including me. I am so used to having to “project” as a cellist it was a pleasure not to worry about it for once. We had an incredible sound engineer, Jody Elff who made sure everything was sounding the way it should, giving each instrument an equal playing field.  At times, the sound was so big it was awesome– in the real sense of the word. I felt happy to be part of something like that, it’s invigorating.

Don’t forget to check the Schedule page for some new concerts I have in April!  I have also added a few new photos for your entertainment.

Next Up:  Feb 20th,  The Lórien Trio makes it debut at Sudler Hall in New Haven CT. This is a piano trio that was started this past fall by myself, Nicholas Dieugenio (violin) and Ilya Poletaev (piano). The program will include works by Haydn, Beethoven and Schumann. Hope to see you there!

February 27th is a cello/piano recital at the Chapel of the Holy Innocents at Bard College with pianist Lucas Wong. I am very excited about this program mainly because all the pieces are new to me and hopefully some of them will be new to you as well. The Fauré Sonata and Ballade by Martin Bresnick are of special interest. I know you will enjoy them!  And even if not, there is always Piazzolla—everybody likes Piazzolla.

Until next time, be well and takes things slow. -Ashley

P.S I am listening to Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’ new album Raising Sand ….unbelievable, give it a listen.