|
|
 |
|
|
Meet Pamela Frank Artistic Director for Caramoor Rising Stars |
|
|
Home > What's New > Caramoor Blog > Meet Pamela Frank Artistic Director for Caramoor Rising Stars
|
|
|
|
October 29, 2010
“Violinist Pamela Frank is an extraordinary musician and mentor whose spirit continually enlightens those around her. Many of the rising stars have expressed how much they value working with Ms. Frank, and the Caramoor staff always looks forward to her visits. I hope you enjoy this interview with Ms. Frank in which she discusses the Rising Stars program and her experiences as an accomplished musician.” –Alison Shearer
 | | Pamela Frank, violin |
This is your third year as artistic director of Caramoor’s Rising Stars program. Do you find yourself approaching things differently this year than you did three years ago?
From the very beginning I felt comfortable and free to use Caramoor’s nurturing and cozy environment as a laboratory for musical expression. I still feel that it is the safest place to become vulnerable and free in our music making. Now in my third year, it feels like I’m coming home.
What was it like growing up in a very musical family? Did you feel pressure from your parents to begin playing music at a young age? Do you feel more comfortable playing with your father as opposed to other pianists?
I didn’t realize until high school that my family was unusually musical. It was normal for me to hear great music played by wonderful artists in the living room; I was extremely lucky to have been exposed to such musicianship and therefore was influence by osmosis. There was no pressure to play music at all—in fact, I had to beg for a “real” violin after friends of my parents had given me a toy as a joke. They like to say they discouraged me from playing, but that’s an exaggeration! Playing with my father is like breathing. I don’t have to think when we play together. As far as rehearsing, he has never exercised any paternity whatsoever, and we rarely talk— that happens in the playing. As far as his piano playing, I am really spoiled. My father has the most beautiful sound and legato of anyone I know. So yes, I am the most comfortable with him!
As a performer you have been able to travel and perform all over the world. Can you tell us about some of the memorable moments in your career?
There are too many to choose from! Playing with Alexander Schnieder for the first time at Carnegie Hall; working with Rudolf Serkin and Felix Galimir at Marlboro; touring with Yo-Yo Ma; performing the entire Beethoven cycle with my father... And most recently, returning to the stage after a long hiatus right here at Caramoor.
How is the week here going so far? Advice to the Rising Stars?
Stay open, and keep find ways to think “outside the box;” find your voice and trust it; go with your instincts and communicate generously. Try to use Caramoor as an experiment in which you can test and stretch your parameters. Use new—and possibly uncomfortable—means of expression, and open your souls both on and off the stage. We really being to do all these things this week, so continue on in this way. You risk nothing so take chances!
Leave the first comment
|
|
