Dreams Do Come True (With A Lot Of Hard Work)

Dreams really do come true. Last night we watched as Holly played with the Phoenix Symphony at the Orpheum in downtown Phoenix. Sadly, she would not let me take her picture in front of the theater because it's not "professional". It was a grueling program, about the equivalent of running a marathon. The Symphony had asked the public last season what they wanted to hear and then put together this program as their final series of this season (including an encore of "Flight of the Bumblebee"). Holly was asked to sub and was able to play for all the performances including one on Sunday in Prescott. Holly has subbed with the Symphony before but not with Michael Christie conducting. This was a wonderful opportunity for her!! Here is their press release of what was on the program:

Phoenix Symphony Performs Favorites Chosen "By Request"

Symphony Subscribers Voted for their Favorites Last Fall - Winning Selections Performed in Concerts Across the Valley

(PHOENIX) - The Phoenix Symphony performs concerts entitled "By Request" throughout the Valley, April 10-12. Last fall, symphony subscribers voted for their classical favorites, and the winning selections are featured on the weekend's program. These performances, led by Music Director Michael Christie, include American Pianists Association Classical Fellow Spencer Myer performing Rachmaninoff's dazzling Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. The Thursday evening concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and is sponsored by the Arizona Republic. A Friday night performance at the Mesa Arts Center begins at 8 p.m. Saturday evening's concert at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix begins at 8 p.m. and is sponsored by Wells Fargo.

This weekend of concerts, conceived by Music Director Michael Christie, features popular selections chosen by audiences last fall. More than a thousand ballots were distributed to symphony patrons around the Valley, and the winning works are represented on the weekend's concerts. The performances will include Beethoven's titanic Symphony No. 7, Mozart's lively Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, and Smetana's tone poem The Moldau. Internationally prize-winning pianist Spencer Myer performs Rachmaninoff's demanding and beloved Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Internationally acclaimed, Mr. Myer has won competitions around the globe and performed as soloist with orchestras in North America and Asia.

I remember the first time I took Holly to Symphony Hall. She was in elementary school and her teacher, Tiffany Petrosky, had won the Phoenix Symphony Guild's Concerto competition. Tiffany was soloing with the Symphony and we went to hear her perform. It was an incredible experience. I could never have imagined that one day Holly would be playing with the Symphony as a professional (being paid, yea!!). It truly has been a dream of hers since the first time she set foot in Symphony Hall. She has worked so hard over the years and has been blessed with many opportunities and wonderful people who have supported her as well as an incredible teacher, Dr. McLin. Holly has 1 more year at ASU to get her undergrad in violin performance and then wants to go to Graduate school. Ultimately she wants to teach at a college level and play with a major symphony or a chamber group. Knowing Holly, she will!