About Me

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I grew up in one of the most beautiful places in the world: Dunedin, New Zealand. Surrounded by music in a family that loved and supported the arts, I began violin lessons at the age of 5 and soon knew that music would be my passion in life. After completing a Bachelor of Music at the University of Otago, I spent a wonderful year playing with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra before completing a Master of Music at the University of Oregon. Soon after a return to New Zealand, I formed with three friends the Tasman String Quartet, with which I had the great fortune of travelling to the University of Colorado to study with one of the all-time greats; the Takács Quartet. For many years I had been drawn towards what I consider to be the extraordinary beauty of historically informed performance. Following my string quartet studies, I began a second Master's degree in Early Music at Indiana University. I am now living in Bloomington, enjoying the chance to play early music with wonderful groups in the area. Photo: © Steve Riskind

Monday, December 7, 2009

Homeward Bound

This morning I woke up, was checking my emails then saw a flash of white through my still unopened blinds. Lo and behold, Bloomington had received its first snowfall; a light smattering only, but snow nonetheless. So I reflected that this would be a perfect time to be making my way home to New Zealand for the warmer Christmas climate. And I'm happy to say that the journey is only two days away! Haven't started packing yet, but then I never have that much to pack anyway. I'll just throw my clothes and shoes in the suitcase and be on my way. Oh yeah, and I'd better remember my passport, tickets, and I-20 form as well. 

I'm leaving a week and half before university classes officially end, but I've been fortunate this semester to not have classes with exams, or any more performances, so I won't be missing anything. Not so for some of my friends though - while they're slaving away in the exam room elaborating on 14th Century motets and 19th Century tone poems, I'll be sunning myself (hopefully) in Wellington, relaxing, and going for my favourite walk up over the hills of Island Bay towards Cook Strait with views over the South Island, then back along the Parade, perhaps stopping for a gelato at the Empire cafe.

However, I have to get through yet another marathon of air travel first, hopefully with no hiccups along the way. Indianapolis - St Louis, MO - Los Angeles - Brisbane - Wellington. This would be kind of normal were it not for the detour through Brisbane where I have a twelve hour wait before my next flight to New Zealand. Fudge. Fortunately, for the Los Angeles - NZ leg, I'll be travelling with the wonderful Virgin Airways, which boasts one of the best entertainment systems I've ever experienced while flying. There really is no point taking a book on board, because I never read it. I'm always cycling through the dozens of movies and TV shows available at my fingertips, while sipping free red wine, of course. 

Yes, it's a long trip and people who've never travelled that far can't fathom what it's like, but it really is worth it for what's at the end. Beautiful New Zealand, family, and the relaxed way of life that is a tourist attraction in itself. Roll on Wednesday.
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1 comment:

  1. gopic3rdDecember 16, 2009 at 5:25 PM

    I sort of love long flights because you can do a whole bunch with the entertainment they provide you with these days. And while I don't drink on flights, go free wine!!!

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