The two recent snow storms in Columbia actually brought me some unplanned, extra time to reflect peacefully and work effectively.

Last Saturday, my family and I attended our dear friend Fran Rikli's memorial service. Fran was a special friend: She always wanted to see how I was doing, to ask if I was happy and how my Japanese was keeping up, and even to extend her friendship to my mother visiting from Japan for the past four years. Last conversation I had with Fran was at Lenoir Woods when Peter and I gave a four-hand concert in December. I will forever be grateful for welcoming strangers like us into her community with open arms, and making  us feel right at home. It really is phenomenal people like her that we love the most about Columbia. I will miss playing for her, but will always remember her beautiful smile from the stage.

One of my (and probably everyone's) musical heroes, Van Cliburn passed away yesterday. Words cannot summarize his enormous influence to the pianists of many, many generations that follow. So instead, I invite you to a concert he gave in 1958 at the Carnegie Hall, shortly after he won the Tchaikovsky Competition [CLICK HERE].

Speaking of competitions, preliminary judges and I have finished listening to the Plowman Preliminary DVD/CDs. I will be posting the result (ensemble types only) on Plowman web site shortly; be sure to check its BLOG page!

SAVE THE DATE - April 7, Sunday 6-8pm after the Plowman Competition Finals Concert. More details are forthcoming... Keep checking our web page, "FUNDRAISER" for updates beginning this Friday, February 22.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Odyssey has cancelled "Champagne, Chocolates & Chamber Music" scheduled for February 10, 2013.

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Odyssey appreciates your support VERY much!!!  Please do stay tuned for upcoming events, including a celebration of 2013 Plowman Chamber Music Competition & Festival. It promises to be a phenomenal 5-day event; if you cannot catch all, that's OK because every one of those nights will bring something special.

Speaking of the event, Plowman Volunteer Coordinator(s) will be soliciting volunteers for the events very soon. Every competition we have asked about 40-50 volunteers to help, and I know this year we hope to recruit about the same number of helpers, including those who can donate food for receptions. More details are forthcoming, and I look forward to working with every one of you this spring!

Again, thank you so much for your continuing support. Odyssey or Plowman would not have been possible without your warmth and encouragement.

Ayako