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On That Note: The Energy of Musical Collaboration

Jay Lawrence
Robert Cohen, Irina Botan (center) and Natalie Klouda at the Highgate International Chamber Music Festival in London, UK.

Did you have the chance to take in any live music over the holidays? Whether it’s a performance of The Nutcracker, or holiday pops music, music is an integral part of the holiday season for many of us.

Playing music was a key part of contributor Robert Cohen’s season. He recalls his experience late last month playing chamber music with musicians Irina Botan and Natalie Klouda: "When you've had an experience like that, you’re desperate - we were messaging each other the day after, saying, 'I’m already missing playing with you.' Because there’s that sense that if that’s how it can be, you just want to continue."

As Cohen embarks on a new phase in his solo career post-Fine Arts Quartet, he says he will seize the chance to play with musicians like this. "I'm really excited about new situations where really inspiring musicians come together."

Bonnie North
Bonnie joined WUWM in March 2006 as the Arts Producer of the locally produced weekday magazine program Lake Effect.
For 35 years one of the worlds leading cello soloist, Robert Cohen is an award-winning recording artist, conductor, artistic director and pedagogue who has been broadcast on TV and radio throughout the world. His passionate views on the art of learning, performing and communicating music have been widely published.