I don't think this was so good for my first mushy fan letter. :) -- Bill
Hi Bill
Thanks for your mushy fan letter.

I didn't actually "wrestle" the gator ya know. I'm not that crazy! And Mozart didn't only joke about his farts, he was obsessed with them. Loved your classical music analogy but sorry to report, I'm not into dwarves. Thanks for the invitation and thanks for writing in. - NSS

As a devoted fan who has followed Ms. Sonnenberg's career for 16-plus years, I would love to see her perform in Memphis or Little Rock soon.

I'm sure there are others who share my sentiments. By the way, I'm doing my part to spread her beautiful music to others who have not experienced such talent. Also, love the site. -- Patricia D.
Dear Patricia
Thank you so much for your comments and support and also for "spreading the word".

I'm afraid you missed me in Little Rock. I played there earlier this season....a few days after September 11th in fact. I am not sure when I will be returning to that area, but I will definitely post it on the website. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Hi!
I'm a fairly average violinist going to high school in a little, conservative town (Ft. Collins, CO). I really love what you've done with music, how much you've been able to put yourself into it and break the straight-laced conventions of classical violin. Recently, I've had some conflicting thoughts about music, due to my conflicting music interests, namely: romantic violin and ska/punk rock. I guess that for any of this to make sense I need to explain why: initially, I liked the lyrical and intellectual value that (some) punk rock contains (Anti-Flag, Propaghandi, Tilt), but there's more to it than that. Punk Rock is pure tonal energy, it's unifying, empowering and it comes from the heart. Punk proved that emotion can be conveyed in excessively simple ways, you don't need ten minutes of 64th notes and rich vibrato to get it across. But most importantly, punk isn't as much about the people on stage playing the music as it is about the people in the audience. At a classical concert, the audience sits there and watches and applauds politely at the end whereas at a punk show, people are moving, shouting, jumping, etc. I love playing the violin, and I love playing in and with orchestras and I also love listening to classical/orchestral music. But when I go to see a good orchestra and a good soloist, I feel so restrained just having to sit in my chair and watch. I want to get up! I want to move! I want to feel the music! I guess where I'm really going with this is that classical music (I realize that it's not all classical, I just don't know what else to call it) has just as much energy, and more, than punk, but the straight-laced audience is bringing it down. What we need is someone like you, not just on stage, but in the audience to: someone who will break the conventions, bring people to their feet, and get people to realize the energy that music has. Please tell me your thoughts (if any) -- Jonah B.
Hi Jonah
I agree with alot of what you said. Especially the part about classical music having more energy. It is a tragic misconception that classical music is boring. I have done and will continue to do anything possible to change this no matter what the repercussion from the establishment....because nothing pisses me off more. The mere fact that classical music contains the most variety is proof enough. The repertoire is so huge and running the gamut of emotions from A to Z. Harmonic, melodic, and most of all rhythmic variety simply does not exist on this scope in any other form of music. This is a fact....not arguable. At least don't try to argue this with me.

The audience? Well, that's a different story and a long one steeped in history. It is simply the way it's always been and I am not sure there is anything to be done about it. But take this to heart at least.....at the end of the performance you have every freedom to jump up and down, clap til your hands are sore, and scream your little heart out. You have my permission. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Dear Nadja,
I was so happy to have stumbled upon your web site. I have been a big fan ever since I saw "Speaking In Strings" a few years ago, and couldn't find much info about your or your concert schedule on the internet until now, so thanks for putting it together! On your web site your schedule goes out only as far as May - any plans on playing in the Chicago area beyond May - perhaps at Ravinia Festival this summer?

I saw you almost 2 summers ago at the Ravinia, playing with Mark O'Connor. Wow! Kudos to Mark for the wonderful double violin concerto and to yourself for your terrific performance! Even the fairly 'stuffy' Ravinia audience was moved - we were all clapping between movements! Any plans to ever record it?

I play the violin in a couple of community orchestras in my area. I was wondering approximately how long it takes someone of your talent to learn a piece such as Mark O'Connor's dbl. violin concerto? Also, do you have any tips on improving one's sightreading skills?

Thank you and best wishes, -- Lisa

PS - What ever happened to your cat who had to have the injections from "Speaking In Strings"?
Hi Lisa
I am glad you"stumbled" upon my website too. Glad too that you like Mark's Double Concerto. We have a lot of fun playing that one and yes we are planning to record it. Getting any album made these days is tricky but we are working on it.

I will be at Ravinia this summer playing Shostakovich concerto on july 12th. Bring a sandwich....it's a long piece.

Let's see, it's hard to calculate exactly how long it took me to learn the O'Connor because I practice stuff in waves and cycles....meaning I'll spend 2 days on something and then have to leave it for a month.

Improve your sightreading skills? That's easy....just continue to sightread as much as you can.

And thank you for asking about Dippy. She's been gone for some years now but I keep her ashes on my desk. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Hi Nadja,
My wife and I watched 'Speaking in Strings' recently, and were enthralled. We had not heard of you before, so this documentary served as our introduction. We found your commitment to your art - to its beauty and possibilities - to be inspiring. I personally do not listen to a lot of classical music, and have not attended a classical music concert in a long time. During the film, you made a comment to the effect that classical music is grossly underappreciated by the culture at large. My question: what concrete steps can be taken, in your opinion, to increase the profile and genuine appreciation of classical music among the broader culture? I'm especially interested in your thoughts about raising the appreciation of classical music among, let's say, the under-30 demographic. I understand this question does not necessarily lend itself to pithy answers because the issue about which it asks is complex. It seems that your stature in the classical music world affords you a unique position to sound out on this issue.

We would appreciate your insights, and look forward to the privilege of seeing you live in concert.

Best, -- Chris
Hi Chris
You ask a loaded question and I certainly do not pretend to know the answers. But my work and experience has given me at least some insight into this problem. And yes, it is a problem. Part of it is cultural....this is a very young country. People in europe especially, support classical music and the arts much more than we do. The reason I think is that they are proud of their culture....their composers and authors and painters. We don't have as many because we are not as old.

And then of course there is the government which continually decreases funding for the arts.....year after year, there is less and less.

I play many concerts in which I see little, very little kids in the front row. I will admit, I don't like that they're in the front row but I do like that they are there. Now we're talking about parenting. Everything starts there......and I congratulate any parent who has the insight and wisdom to introduce their children to the arts.

I think a big part of the answer lies in the media. Television. It's costly but it must be utilized and there are efforts being made to this purpose. In fact I am working on something like this right now. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Hello:
I would like to mail a letter to Ms. Salerno-Sonnenberg. Could you please provide me with her snail-mail address? Thank you, -- William McEwen
Dear William
The snail-mail address you requested is

me
c/o M.L. Falcone, Public Relations
155 West 68th St.
Suite 1114
New York, N.Y. 10023

Nadja,
Hey you. I am an average musician from the Quad Cities USA. Moline. Illinois to be exact. Recently I have met and worked with students from Augustana University in Rock Island, Ill. Bethany is a cellist and has become such an inspiration to me with her amazing talent.

Today I saw the documentary about you on the Sundance channel. Between the two of you I have become classical music's newest fan. I am inspired by the incredible emotion and power in your playing. I can not say enough in words about how great you are and even to an average joe guitar/bass player like myself you are like those among the godz. Um... oh yeah... I think you are Neat-o!

The part that touched me even further was the injury that you worked through. In 1992 I was in a bycycling accident and broke open the elbow on my left arm. 7 tendons and ligiments had to be repaired as well as breaking my arm in a way that the doctors had never seen before. Only in a Swedish medical manual did they find a similar skiing injury. Needless to say there were many weeks (18 to be exact) when I didn't know if I'd ever be able to play again. "Well" I thought, there's always the kazoo 'ey?

So I was impressed even more by you, as a real person for having the guts and strength to go through all that and still be as awsome as you are. Thanks for being you on and off the stage. You have inspired me to start writing again. Thank You. Please write back if you ever have the time. Sincerly,-- Martin C. Myers

P.S. I only hope and pray that you; Nadja, actually read this humble note.
Mike
Hey you. Yes I read your humble note and I am glad you like the movie and appreciate very much your support. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

I just watched a documentary on your life, I say "your life" although I doubt you will ever read this note personally, I've always like some classical music, especially a good piano piece or violin solo, which is why I started watching the documentary, but continued watching due to your charm. Anyway I just wanted you to know that I for one am glad the gun didn't go off, for I enjoyed watching you play, unlike some of your apparent critics, there's nothing worse than watching an artist going thru the motions without any passion in his or her work, you definitely don't seem to lack passion. Anyway you play beautifully please continue to do so and try to smile more often, you are special.

I would close with, from a fan, but I hate that connotation, let's just say I try to play a little on my guitar, and when I see anyone with your skill I can only admire your dedication, and hours of practice.....thanks. -- Cuerpo
Hello Cuerpo
I smile quite alot actually, but I will try to smile even more...for you. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Dear Nadja,
When you play I can see it, the music. There is this voice that sings out, and it's like my favorite paintings each have their own sound. The Shostakovich becomes van Gogh's "Wheat Field w/ Crows", the Barber, Chagall's "Birthday".

So, what I was wondering was, does the music have the same effect on musicians, on you? Do you visualize the music you hear or play?

Thanks for letting me bother you with such nonsense, and for traveling to Sedona. I'm looking forward to sharing the concert with my Mom. Gratefully, -- Cindy
Dear Cindy
Interesting question. I cannot speak for all musicians but I can certainly speak for myself. I visualize practically everything in my life. There are certain pieces in the repertoire that have specific memories for me and so I always visualize that particular memory, but there have been many other pieces in which I have invented a story to visualize. I did this alot when I was a student. I paid great attention to individual passages back then and realized that my concept of the entire work was lacking. My teacher Dorothy DeLay suggested that I make up a story to help understand the whole work. It helped alot and I have been doing it ever since. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Dear Ms. Solerno-Sonnenberg,
I just watched again with great joy, wonder and admiration Speaking in Strings. But tell me, when you were playing that vocalise, from which aria was it derived, and if it was Manon, was it Puccini's Manon Lescaut, or the Manon by Massenet? Do you have, or have you ever considered compiling a recording of your favorite vocalises? Man, it'd be lovely. Just the sketch you drew in the film tore my heart out and held it in tender hands. I look forward to hearing from you soon, Love and my warmest regards, -- Paul Brandis
Hi Paul
To the best of my knowledge the Vocalise is not derived from any aria and is not a part of any opera. It stands on it's own as a solitary work Rachmaninoff wrote for voice. It has been transcribed many, many times for an array of instruments however. I once heard a trombonist play it. You may be thinking of the Meditation from Thais which is another beautiful work for violin. As far as putting together an album of these kinds of pieces, I suggested it awhile ago and the label was not thrilled with an album of all slow music. I will however try to incorporate some of these gems somewhere in future albums. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Dear Nadja:
You're an awesome violinist! I read in an article that when you were preparing for the Naumburg Competition you practiced 13 hours a day. How did you do that without getting tendinitis or injuring yourself? -- Nancy
Dear Nancy
Who said I didn't get tendonitis? Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Dear Nadja:
Cool website! I like the Star Trek influence..... I just wanted to ask if you ever give masterclasses? If you do, do you have a specific school ot festival where you teach? Just have to tell you that you're an amazing violinist, what i most like about your playing is that you're really not like everybody else, you're original and have so many diffrent expressions.....simply a cool woman! Take care! -- Daniela
Daniela
Thank you for your nice comments. Yes, I do give masterclasses....all the time in fact. There is no specific school or festival I teach at on a regular basis. Mostly I would say in college towns where there is a large number of music students. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Dear Nadja:
First let me say (as a fellow fan of Star Trek) that I really dig the design of your site. It's good to hear that a world-famous violinist is also a trekkie at heart ;) (or do you prefer "trekker"?)

I had the unique opportunity to watch you perform in Ft. Worth during the opening week of the Bass Performance Hall, where you gave a wonderful performance of the Tchaikovsky violin concerto. I have to say I was dully impressed with the vigor and emotionalism you put into the piece, and to this day remains my favorite live rendition of the work!

Many thanks for giving us all a wonderful treat that evening, my aunt and uncle (who were a part of the choir performing Carmina Burana) also had high complements for your performance. I hope I am able to make your upcoming appearance in San Diego at the Museum of Art in February.

Firstly, would it be possible to obtain a signed photograph? I would greatly appreciate it, and can easily provide a physical address and whatever else would be required.

Secondly I would ask if you have any plans to record any of the Tchaikovsky violin concertos in any of your upcoming recordings?

Thanks for your time! -- Karl
Hi Karl
I prefer the term "trekkie" since that is the older one I believe and well....I am a pretty old Star Trek fan. I remember the opening of that beautiful Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth. It was a wonderful week and I had such fun there. Record the Tchaik??? I'm working on it Karl...promise. Signed autographs are possible. Just write to my publicist. M.L. Falcone, Public Relations
155 West 68th St.
Suite 1114
New York, N.Y. 10023
Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Dear Nadja:
What kind of strings do you use on your violin?? Do you use different strings when performing with the Assad Brothers?

I know you own three violins... your most recent violin that you purchased - how did you know that it was the right instrument for you? What makes that instrument so special to you and why?

What will be your next cd release? Do you have anything in mind? -- Steven, Long Beach, California
Hello too many questions Steve
Let's see, these days I have been using Helicore strings. When I play with the Assads I don't use different strings, I just use very little rosin because the violin is naturally a much louder instrument than the guitar. I don't own 3 violins...only 2. One is a fairly new one, a Peresson made in 1971. It was made especially for me. The other is a Peter Guarnerius made in 1721. That one is used. Little joke. I knew this could be a great instrument for me because I could afford it. Another little joke. There is no perfect instrument for anyone I think. Certainly there are instruments more suited to ones taste, but like any relationship it takes time to get to know one another and to get used to each other. It took me about two years to "get along" with my baby. We are pretty good friends now I think. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Dear Nadja:
how often do you update your q & a section? have you quit smoking? do you still live in aspen? are you married...or plan on getting married? have you ever been to brasil? -- Husky
Hello curious Husky
I update my Q and A section as often as I have time to do so. No, I haven't quit smoking....I am not a quitter. I don't still live in Aspen because I never lived in Aspen. I rent beautiful houses on mountains but I don't actually own any property there. Am I married? Interesting question. Let me say this....on the romantic front...I am completely consumed. No, I haven't been to Brazil yet, but if I could I would go right now! Thanks for writing in. - NSS
Dear Nadja:
everything you wrote is so true. the real meaning of christmas has been lost because we live in a material world. thank god there are a few people left in this world that can relate to the gratitude you have expressed. i am grateful not just when the holidays come about...but every morning when i am able to wake up...get out of bed...walk on my own....see the sunshine...hear the birds sing and smell the aroma of fresh brewing coffee. some of us take all of these gifts for granted. some of us take the friends and family that love and care for us....for granted....that they will always be there...well, they won't always be there. kisses and hugs that are kept are wasted..... there are gold ships and there are silver ships...but there are no ships like friendships. OBRIGADA.......AMO-TE -- Husky

Dear Nadja:
My wife and I attended your November 10 performance with the Colorado Springs Symphony Orchestra. You are unquestionably the finest musician I have ever seen in person. We were four rows from the stage and just a couple of seats left of you. We could hear your breathing, see your fingerwork and bow work, and tangibly feel your energy. Your performance gave me chills and took my breath. You are simply amazing.

Thank you for sharing your talent with our city. I will be hunting down a few of your CDs! Sincerely -- Patrick, LSI

Nadja,
I, like thousands of other HBO watchers, was first introduced to your extraordinary talent through the documentary "Speaking in Strings." To be quite honest, I was blown away. The documentary made me laugh and cry and wonder. I was haunted by your talent, your struggles, and your playing. However, after watching the documentary, as impressed as I was with you, I couldn't remember your name to save my life. And, it has taken me forever to find info about you and your music. But, thanks to a kind gentleman on the violinist.com discussion board, I was able to obtain your website address and finally have access to your music. I am so glad to discover that you are actively playing and are sharing your thoughts with your fans. By the way, you look great!!! And, I am happy that you escaped harm on Sept. 11th. I pray that everyone will be able to overcome this tragedy emotionally and heal, so that we may once again feel free. God Bless, -- Amanda, Alexandria, Louisiana
Hi Amanda
Yeah, I get that alot. I'm sort of known as that violinist with the long name. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Nadja,
Who made your violin? -- David Vick
Hi David
I got a great deal on a very old wooden violin. It's definitely used but sounds pretty good anyway. Kidding of course....well actually not. Peter Guarnerius of Venice made my violin in 1721. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Thank you so much for your sharing of talent and your humor--I saw you perform in Jacksonville the day the U.S. began it's attack on Afghanistan. Your music brought some peace to my day. I hope that you continue to find learning and joy through your experiences, and appreciate the fact that we get to hear about it! Take care! -- Harold George

Hello Nadja
I too thought about your whereabouts on September 11 and am glad to hear you're all right, if, like all of us, profoundly affected in spirit. I've been a fan a long time and here are my questions: do you ever compose or arrange for the violin or any other combination of instruments? And if so, I also wonder if you have ever read the lyric poems of Petrarca - I have always believed they would make beautiful songs - for voice and violin. With your passion for the vocalises, and your beautiful melodic lines, it is wonderful to imagine such a combination. Also, I recently read that you have joined the family of musicians at GMN.com - will you be recording any works with them? Yours, -- Livia
Hi Livia
Thank you for your kind thoughts. I have never even entertained the idea of composing or arranging because very simply....I am no good at it. I have been so fortunate however to collaborate with huge talents in this area like Russell Warner, John Musto, Roger Kellaway, Mark O'Connor, and of course Sergio Assad. Performing their compositions or arrangements is always extremely gratifying. I am not familiar with the poems of Petrarca but thank you for the suggestion. I will look into it as soon as I can. GMN is a wonderful company that I am proud to be associated with. Yes I certainly hope there will be recordings made in the near future as well as streaming and downloading some live performances which is one of many perks GMN offers. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Dear Ms. Salerno-Sonnenberg,
My wife and I saw you in Austin last week in concert with the Assads, and it was one of the most beautiful concerts we have ever seen. We found it just incredible the way you speak and sing through your instrument. That should be enough to say. But what prompts me to write is that I was curious about something. The program listed a two hour concert, and you'll probably remember that, several times during the concert, you stated that this was not a two hour but a one hour concert. In fact, you even asked the audience for the time. That made me wonder if perhaps something had been sprung on you, like inadequate pay or a demand from the theatre owners that you end by a certain time. I'm sorry to be nosy, but since you didn't make any secret of the discrepancy between the program and the written program, I thought I would ask you. Thanks for a wonderful evening. -- Randy, University of Texas
Dear Randy
No discrepancy in Austin. I just never read my contracts which stated clearly that we were to perform 2 one hour concerts at the One World Theater. We found out when we arrived in Austin so we modified the program bit. My fault completely. Thank you for coming to the concert and thank you for writing in. - NSS

Dear Nadja
I am very pleased to have found you have a web page. It has been about 1 year since I "first" was introduced to you via the documentary "Speaking in Strings" that aired on HBO. My soul was very much moved by both your musical prowess and you personally. I also found it uncanny that you sound (vocally) exactly like my cousin Bonnie. I purchased three of your CD's (Speaking in Strings, Humoresque and your newest with the Assads). I had a heck of time trying to find were you would be touring with the Assads near New Jersey and found that you were performing in Austin at the One World Theatre. So I got to see you on October 5th (9:45 pm) with my son who goes to school at UT, I doubt those two young girls will arrive at a performace late again :). Your web page is a blessing and looking foward to seeing you perform next year. Any chance your book will be available anytime soon? Again thank you for sharing you with us! God Bless.-- Don
Dear Don
My book was published some time ago and hasn't been available for quite a while now. I am told it is in school libraries and some people have found it online as well. Wish I could help you out a little more but that's all I know. Thanks for coming to the concert and thanks for writing in. - NSS

Dear Nadja,
The price was very high... but if nothing good comes of this then those people died for nothing. It is our responsibility to make sure that something good does come from this. Let's not pretend that everything will be okay - let's make sure it will be okay. Let's continue to promote the unity that we feel today. Let's all work together around this small globe so that peace and justice prevail for all. What do you mean "what the hell do I know"??? You know. You know! -- David
Dear David
I agree with you. Unity is the key and we as a nation certainly feel it now. Let's hope it lasts. "What the hell do I know" is just my tag phrase for signing off on my commentary. I know some things actually. For instance I know that airport security is a joke....still. I know this first hand believe me. Thanks for writing in. - NSS

Dear Nadja,
My 87 year-old mother, my sister, and I were enthralled by your performance in Little Rock last Sat evening. It was only about the second time my mother had been to a symphony, and she was overjoyed by it all. We are all grateful for your coming. You helped make everyone's mood and sadness a little bit brighter. I hope you are finding solace through all the tragedy. Beautiful music certainly helps one cope with it. Sincerely -- Burt

Dear Nadja,
Please post on your web site for your fans that you are alive and well since September 11. If I'm concerned, then I know a lot of people are as well. Please know that in California, our hearts are bleeding for everyone involved and also all New Yorkers whose way of life has been deeply affected by this. I can't imagine what your city must be like today! People all across the country and all across the globe are hurting in a way that can never be healed. It's hard to get back to work and act "normal" and all the while feeling so helpless. My heart is with you, especially since you and so many of the people you love are right in the heart of New York city. Please be careful and please be well. My thoughts are with you. - Kerry

Dear Nadja,
My wife and I enjoyed your performance with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Saturday evening (9/15). I am not the greatest fan of violin solos as, after a while, they can sound like finger nails on a chalk board but your performance of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Minor was wonderful. After all the sorrow and tensions that had built up over the previous week (World Trade Center), you, David Itkin, and the Arkansas Symphony really helped me, and probably many of the Arkansans in the music hall, unwind and relax.

Thank you so much and I look forward to seeing you perform again very soon... somewhere. - David

More letters


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