Concerts I was scheduled to play have been cancelled. Getting together with musicians to read chamber music, which is one of the things I love to do most, I cannot do.

Ten days ago, I was outside weeding my yard when my dear friend, musician and celebrated poet, Anna George Meek and I had a brief chat online. We talked about possibly trying to play music together online, and that’s when I decided I wanted to try to organize a virtual chamber group. I decided I wanted to do Bach’s Brandenburg #3.

Mind you, I’ve never tackled anything even remotely like this before.

I contacted musician friends all over the country and abroad, and within less than six hours had enough people willing to cover all 9 separate parts, some with 2 or more players per part.

Soon, videos were coming in from 6 states, and two from Germany. Every time a new video arrived I felt an excitement and joy like a little boy opening a birthday gift.

Some of these people I have not seen in years. One I have seen only once in three decades. Getting to see them and play virtually together was a heartwarming online reunion.

The project is finished, and I couldn’t be happier! Multiple musicians have been generous in their praise and gratitude for having a joyful project like this to work on while holed up in solitude.

I sincerely believe we need joy, hope, and connection during this dark time of fear and isolation. What better way than through music.

I hope this project and the associated blooper video brighten your day!

Stay safe, stay sane, and stay connected…at a safe minimum distance!