Nadja Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg

q and a

    Dear Ms. Salerno-Sonnenberg,
    My name's C.A. Casey and I'm a music editor for Strange Horizons, a professional ezine dedicated to speculative fiction (http://www.strangehorizons.com). And you're saying "okay, what does this have to do with me?" Author Kelley Eskridge wrote a story several years back called "Strings" that was published in Fantasy and Science Fiction Magazine and picked up for a "Year's Best" Anthology for 1994. The inspiration for this story was none other than yourself, and I thought the idea of a real-life musician inspiring a fantasy story would make an interesting article.

    In doing research for the article - an analysis of how an event in real life can inspire a creative reaction in someone and how the story uses music as a metaphor to express ourselves creatively - I found the following quote from Kelley in response to a reader's question about "Strings":

    "The idea for Strad (the protagonist of "Strings") came from a television profile I saw about a violinist named Nadja Sonnenberg. She was so amazingly passionate about her music: she vibrated the entire time she played. She was right there, inside the music. I found it attractive and I identified with it. I felt there were so many things inside me that wanted to come out (including writing), and here was a person who a) knew what was in her, and b) knew how to bring it out.

    So that's where it started: with a desire to let it all come blasting out. Music seemed like a perfect metaphor, and the best way to make the blasting-out point was to put Strad in a situation where she was required to keep it all in, and then examine what it would take to make it come out anyway. There's not a lot of distance between that and examining why people are afraid of difference, because I think it's the sense of being different that makes a lot of us keep our passions, our selves, reined in. I could be so much larger than I am. I want that. I'm working on it in life as well as in fiction."

    I know your time is limited, but I was wondering if you could provide a few thoughts on how Kelley views you and your approach to music, so I can give the added perspective of perception. When reading the above passage, I wonder about how much of Kelley's own perceptions of herself was projected on her reaction to seeing you on television; if you, yourself, feel on the inside, the same liberation of expression that she sees, etc.

    If you want to read the story, Kelley has reprinted it at http://www.kelleyeskridge.com/Stories/StringsIntro.htm.

    Thank you for taking the time to read this and if you can offer any thoughts that I can add to my article, I would be forever grateful. Sincerely, C.A. Casey
    Dear C.A. Casey
    There are times when I get letters like yours and simply do not have the time to respond to them, but luckily this was not one of those times...perhaps because my season has not yet started....in any case I read your letter and Miss Eskridge's story as well. I liked it very much....interesting and provocative and I was happy to be at least in some small part the inspiration for it.

    You ask how an event in real life can inspire a creative reaction in someone...I can say that my first reaction was that perhaps when she saw the profile on me I became in some way the character of "Piano" for her.

    Everyone needs a catalyst for any major event in their life...good or bad. I believe this. The trick is recognizing the catalyst when it is right there in front of you. Thank you for writing in, - NSS

    Hello Nadja
    My name is Patrick Serné, I live with my wife in Penticton, BC, Canada. Penticton is not what you would call a hub of cultural activity and it is, possibly because of that, we had never before, we saw the KCTS Evening at the Pops performance on August 29, 2002, heard of you, Regina Carter or Eileen Ivers.

    We actually just tuned to that channel when you performed a solo piece that we enjoyed tremendously. Although it is a well known piece we don't know what it is called nor do we know who the composer is or was. I would like to know if you have recorded it on CD and if it is presently available? We also enjoyed the trio performing the Chris Brubeck performance and we would like to obtain it if it is available. We hope KCTS will repeat the whole program again soon.

    In the meantime I have viewed your web site and I am most impressed with your repertoire and musical style.

    I would appreciate it if you or someone could answer my questions and I further wish you a happy continuation of a marvelous carrier.

    Greetings, from a new fan, Patrick Serné
    Hello new fan Patrick
    I am very glad you enjoyed the Boston Pops program. The solo piece that I played was and still is by Saint-Saens and it's called Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso. I have recorded it on the EMI label along with the Mendelssohn concerto and some other works as well.

    The Brubeck piece "Interplay" is brand new and has not been recorded as of yet...sorry about that. Thanks for tuning in and thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Dear Ms Salerno-Sonnenberg,
    Finally got to see "Fiddlers Three" here in the Washington area last Tuesday evening and was absolutely enthralled with the performance. Have played it over and over and each time enjoy it just as much. How do you play SO beautifully?!!!

    Felt even more fortunate too to get to view the concert since Romantic Hours never aired here at all so I did not get to hear you read the poetry and was deeply disappointed. If your mother, by chance, has an extra copy of Romantic Hours she might be willing to part with, I should be glad to send my address and whatever amount needed to any address you would like in order to purchase it. If not, then perhaps u know a station address I could write to for a copy.

    I can think of but one change I would have wished for in the Boston Pops production. Though I understand that Mr. Brubeck knew to give you the more intricate parts of his piece, "Interplay," since I'm sure he was well aware you could handle them, (you were SO spectacular on the cadenza), still, I wish he had written in some of the slower more melodic passages for you as well, as he did for the others. Though the piece definitely showcased your extraordinary virtuosity, I kept thinking how sensitive, passionate and beautiful your "oh so loved" and VERY creative interpretations of the more melodic passages can be in the works of the likes of such composers as Brahms, Bruch, Sibelius, etc, and well I guess I just kept "itchin" to hear you do some of that. I feel it would have contributed so much overall to what I already perceive as an extremely well written and "fun" piece. But I understand too, I guess, that the composer in his piece had the difficult task of equalingl things out among the three of you. Speaking of creativity, your interpretation of Saint-Saens " Rondo Capriccioso was also fantastic!!

    Well, that's about it I guess. Just wanted you to know how fabulous your entire performance was as usual and that I will forever be amazed by the beauty of your talent.You bring such pleasure to so many people. No need to tell you to keep up the good work cause I'm sure you will. My Best...Dorothy
    Dear Dorothy
    Thank you so much for your beautiful letter. I am happy you enjoyed "Fiddler's Three". It really was a wonderful and different experience. Yes Dave did a great job writing for the 3 of us and incorporating our styles and he did it quickly too which is not at all easy. But ya know, I really wanted to play some of the slow stuff with the girls too!!! Maybe next time. I'm sorry I can't help much with attaining a copy of Romantic Hours....perhaps writing into the website or maybe they will re-air it someday. I will be playing Kennedy Center in september....hope to see you there. Thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Dear Nadja,
    Sometime ago I read that you had had an injury to your fingertip -- sliced off the soft part of the tip with some kitchen appliance. I remember reading about it, and even a though of something like that happening to me made my knees tremble.

    Today, it happened to me: I was making a salad, using some untested kitchen appliance, and sliced off the fingertip -- that part of the finger that touches the key, the softest and most sensitive part. I immediately ran to the emergency room, which was brutal just as all of them are.

    You are the only person I know of it ever happened to, too. So I am writing you for advice and... well guidance, to a degree. I am an organist, a recent Juilliard graduate (MM, DMA), and in my case it will be easier. Still, it is the right hand, 4th finger. I have no idea, how it will heal. Will there be a thick scar? And how fast does such cut heal? A month? In the emergency room they were completely oblivious, just slapped a bandage on it, and said very little about what to expect. Yours, Paul Stetsenko
    Dear Paul
    It is hard to know what to tell you as I don't know the extent of your injury. The biggest problem I had recovering was scar tissue. More than 3 hours had passed between severing the finger and reattachment for me and so there was a lot of dead skin which caused the scar tissue problem later. I don't know if you cut into your nerve or even if there were any stitches, but I can tell you that massaging the affected area helps alot and just take comfort in the fact that placing your finger on a keyboard will be alot less painful than placing it on a thin steel string. Try hard also, not to rush the recovery time period. We all heal differently...let your body do it's thing. Don't worry...it will.

    Good luck to you and thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Dear Nadja,
    Just a note to say how much I enjoyed your thoughts about summertime. You woke me up to the fact that it really is August and some of those traditional summertime fun things we had yet to do! So, I rounded up the family, including one of your celtic fiddler friends, Eileen, and took them down to the shore in a rented family truckster, aka "minivan". We had a great day frolicking in the ocean. Eileen even tried boogie boarding with my children. I like to ride the waves and have them lift me up and down, no easy feat, but it felt good. So, thanks for the inspiration and the fiddler did enjoy getting away for the day. She, like you, has been melting in the sun. It is good to be a musician, nurse or teacher in order to have weekdays off in the summer.

    Enjoy the rest of your time and I hope you get to try a boogie board soon! Hey, congratulations on your record 29 seconds on the final page of Rondo! Have you beat your record yet? Also, I am looking forward to seeing where you will be playing when the weather cools down. Summer wishes, Maureen Ivers Bolduc and family
    Hi Maureen
    I just have to say.....that I would give good money to see Eileen boogie boarding.

    And no I haven't broken my 29 second record yet!!!! Best wishes to all of you and thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Dear Nadja,
    I am a violinist from the UK and read the book 'Teaching Genius' about Dorothy Delay and found it all extremely interesting, however, from a violinists point of view, it didn't talk at all about her methods etc- I wonder if you could tell me anything about these!! I spoke with a lady in the LPO who studied with her for a brief period, and all she really talked about was the warm up methods she had.... I would be very interested to know and to hear your comments etc.

    I liked your website a lot by the way, Best wishes, Ben.
    Hi Ben
    You are right in that there really are no books or detailed explanations of Dorothy DeLay's teaching techniques. I could tell you and show you what I learned from her, but it would take a few years. It is certainly way too much information for this webpage ...however I do remember an old book series called "The way they play" and there was an entire chapter on DeLay and her thoughts.

    She has students scattered all over the world spreading her word as teachers and performers and this in itself is an amazing legacy. Perhaps you will run into one sometime. Thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Dear Nadja,
    I am trying to find a copy of your Franck/Brahms sonata CD (EMI CDC 7 494 10 2) but it is out of print, and don't have a clue where to find it. Are you aware of any place where I might find it?

    I saw you last Friday night performing with the Chicago Symphony at Ravinia. Absolutely marvelous!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was the first time I've seen you, but I'm a forever fan. Thanks. Wayne Duddleston
    Hi Wayne
    That Franck/Brahms CD I did with Cecile Licad is out of print now. I think my mom has a copy of it though....want me to ask her? Sorry I can't help too much with this. Maybe the label can help? E-Bay? A street fair?

    Thank you so much for coming to the Ravinia concert though and thanks for writing in. - NSS

    Dear Nadja,
    My husband Lee and I had the great pleasure of hearing the Shostakovich concerto when you played at Ravinia a few weeks ago. We saw you gazing at the pink clouds in the distance and saw that you were just as transported by the music as the rest of us, even though you've heard it many more times. In our company were some friends from Russia, and they expressed the feeling that you played like a Russian, with a Russian soul in your interpretation. My question is: will you be recording that piece?

    You have our admiration and our gratitude, Nadja, for the beauty you offer the world. Sincerely, Cheryl Sachnoff

    p.s. Lee met you on his way to the bathroom and was so happy to have done so. Sorry I missed it.
    Dear Cheryl
    Thank you for coming to the concert at Ravinia. I remember noticing the beautiful sunset somewhere in the third movement. And you can tell your russian friends that I have some russian blood in me. Maybe that's why I like vodka so much??

    To answer your question, I have recorded the Shostakovich. With the composers son Maxim conducting in fact and it is available on the Angel/EMI label.

    I was happy to meet Lee too. Thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Dear Nadja,
    I first saw you on the Johnny Carson show and ever since then I have been captivated by your way of playing! I have taped you on the Carson show playing Saint-Saens' "Swan", Wieniawkski's "Polonaise de concert No.1", and the third movement of the Mendelssohn. Did you also play Kreisler's "Praeludium and Allegro" on his show (I think I remember seeing and taping it, but by accident I foolishly taped over it)?

    How many appearances did you make on the Carson show? Do you have all of your Carson appearances on tape? If so, would it be possible for me to purchase a copy of one?

    Keep up the spectacular playing and I hope to hear from you soon, Eric.
    Hi Eric
    Hey, good memory. I did play Kreisler Praeludioum and Allegro on the Tonight Show. God, that seems like ancient history. I appeared on the show 7 times...all with the man himself Johnny. And yes I have copies of all the appearances but I am sorry to say, they are not for sale. The Tonight Show simply doesn't allow that sort of thing. But if you're really, really nice to my mother, she might sell you her copies! Thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Dear NSS,
    As an undergrad student in violin, I tried my hand as a very short Piazzolla tango ("Tango en La") to break away from the Bach and Paganini for a bit. But when he gives a slow, lyrical passage, I get so confused. Is he expecting the player to improvise at these moments, lending some musical freedom with the printed notes acting only as a stepladder?

    Your recordings of Piazzolla are the only ones by a classically trained musician that convince me. What do you do? - Sincerely, Tracy Woodard
    Hi Tracy
    Well I am very lucky when it comes to playing Piazzolla because I just ask Sergio and Odair Assad what to do. I feel like they are experts and although they never actually tell me what to do and how to do it, I feel better for asking them.

    Piazzolla is not Beethoven. Improvise all you want and have fun with it. Thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Dear Nadja:
    Thank you for the most spectacular performance last night in Dallas. I took advantage of the weekend's exceptional program to bring some of my medical school colleagues that I might get them addicted to DSO concerts - it was a success! We are so fortunate here to have a conductor with such great musical friends who visit us often... will you be returning next season?

    Having been an (average to not-so-good) orchestral violinist, I am often asked if it was difficult to play the same material three or four nights in a row and not "burn out". After your energetic performance last night of the Brahms Double, I can't imagine how one can deliver a night like that three times in a row; but some have told me that a series can actually get better. What is your experience? Best wishes always - Bryan Young
    Hi Bryan
    Thank you so much for not only coming to the concert yourself, but dragging along your colleagues as well. Your question is interesting because for me, at least, it defies logic. Keeping the energy up and the muscles loose and the instincts vibrant gets harder and harder as the week progresses. My best performance is usually the third and that is also the one I dread because I am exhausted physically and emotionally. I have no explanation for this whatsoever. Do you? Thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Hello-
    I pulled up Nadja's website and saw that there is a concert in Baltimore on May 10. However, it doesn't say where the concert is being held :( Please tell me as soon as possible so the tickets don't sell out, if they haven't already. thank you very much - Janeen Nichels

    Hi Janeen
    So sorry about that. I am lazy about checking the details ya know? Here's the information you wanted. May 10th concert at Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center May 11th concert at Joseph Meyerson Symphony Hall Hope to see you there and thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Dear Nadja:
    This morning as I woke up, (I had left the the TV on the Sundance channel last night) I turned on the TV and suddenly I listened and saw this strong, enigmatic, powerful woman with all of this movements, magical sound...simply astonishing that I have never heard about before!! Your 1999 Paola di Florio documentary, even though I couldn't see it all, really caught and showed your beauty and essence. I was really impressed by your talent and your personality. Having ups and downs in life is just part of it...very hard and unbearable at moments, but there will always be invisible little miracles that will pull you to a better one to make you even a better and more beautiful person. Congratulations! Now I know that someday I will be present in one of your concerts. How can I get your calendar schedule for 2002? Thank you.

    Always take care, and remember the best moments in life are the ones from the heart. Sincerely, Blanca E. Chinolla
    Hi Blanca
    I'm so glad you enjoyed the film. If you ever want to see the whole thing you could actually purchase it right here on my webpage. Just in case you were really bored and had nothing to do. You can also see my concert schedule right here at the webpage as well. Just click on concerts. Thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Hello everyone
    Just thought I'd let you know I'm going to be on the radio on April 15th. I mean I'm on the radio alot but this is a little different. This time I'm reading poetry and there will also be selections played from some of my CD's. I have to say, I was wondering in the cab on the way down to the recording studio why I get myself into these situations.

    Like now I'm reading poetry on the radio....why am I doing that??? But....it was a fantastic experience and honestly, I hope I get to do it again. I don't think I was any good at it though.

    The show is called Romantic Hours and if you want to find out more about it, you can go to my webpage or check out www.romantichours.com for local stations and times. Okay, that's it for now.

    Hope you are all staying safe and healthy and as always, thank you so much for your support. - NSS

    you are the most exquisitely beautiful woman in music today[Peggy lee died]and Billie holiday too....

    I recently saw your hbo special. overwhelming !my husband is a world class jazz musician[trombone] and like many truly creative jazz musicians, he always plays classical music before a gig yours really gets the juices flowing!!

    the prokoffief piece on the special was compelling and another but I cant remember the title...frustrating not to hear a complete piece. never had the $ to hear you in person sadly.

    my husband says you are a complete package I say you are a real piece of work gods work!!! I am 70 he is 73 this Friday would love, love love a photo

    with sincere love -- Ed and Nancy

    ps have you any concept of how much beauty and joy you have brought to so many??I hope so.......your beauty is truly awesome ah but that we could all have your wonderful face.
    Well Nancy
    "ah but that we could all have your wonderful face"?? Ah but that you all could.....

    Your husband says I am a complete package and you say I'm a piece of work? Geez, you guys are great!!! Thanks.....but be careful you two with all those juices flowing!!

    And by the way, I am very happy to take a back seat to Peggy Lee and Billie Holiday.

    Happy birthday to Ed and thanks for writing in, - NSS

    My Name is Matthew, I am a senior viola performance major and now am leaning towards a career in conducting. In so many ways, it was seeing you perform when I was eight years old that really inspired me to continue with playing. I remember driving to the Bushnell (I am originally from Connecticut) with my mother and getting lost, and running to get to our seats. (It's funny, the things you remember from youth.) I saw you play and fell in love with the violin at that moment. I know now that music is so much more than the technique that we use to produce it, and even now, when I just want to feel different emotions without thinking about intonation, bow changes, etc, I can listen to you play. I especially loved the Shostakovich concerto, I have never felt so much anger, fear and frustration. In some ways as a teenager, it personified the stereotypical "teenage angst." I know that this is a common letter to you, however I hope that it touches you in some way. I have learned so much from just listening to you, I truly appreciate it. Thank You for being you, and thank you for allowing me to feel that it is okay to use my emotions as the basis for the music I play. Sincerely -- Matthew
    Dear Matthew
    Thank you so much for all your kind words and I am very happy I was at least a little responsible for you falling in love with the violin. And yes I agree with you about music being so much more than technique. Naturally, I would agree with that but....I also feel that there is no freedom, artistic or otherwise, without a solid foundation. So thinking about intonation and bow changes is a necessity because it doesn't matter how much you "feel" for a piece, if the playing is out of tune and a general mess for lots of reasons, then nobody is going to enjoy that too much. Well, maybe your mother but that's about it. But here's the thing....all that technical work is why we practice. It is meant for the practice room....not the performance stage. Thanks for writing in, - NSS

    I've always made it a point to come hear you play when you are in Minneapolis/St. Paul. I'm no critic, and it certainly is difficult to write about performances, but your recent visit here playing the Brahms was absolutely stunning. How you can keep playing with such "balls to the wall" abandon is beyond me, but sincere thanks. It is so heartening and revelatory to the music to hear a soloist willing to take risks!

    Have you ever (or ever considered) taking Glass' concerto on tour? Whenever I play my CD of it, I always imagine what you would do with it, especially the second movement. (As big as your sound is, I'm always most moved by your slow movement interpretations.)

    I really enjoy your CD with the Assads, as well as the Humoresque recording, which can bring me to tears. Your commentary on the booklet of the latter was extraordinarily personal.

    Great web site, too. The 'My Thoughts' page is a nice addition. There does come a point, I think, when our government's actions demand we speak out against it. OK, I'm done spewing now. But I hope our MN orchestra starts to engage you more -- Dave Keyes
    Dear Dave
    "Balls to the wall?" -- That's a compliment right?

    I have to say that I appreciate so much your comment about my slow movement interpretations. My reputation tends toward the passionate and exciting and the risk taking which is fine....I mean I am certainly not complaining, but when I learn or play any piece, it is always for the slow movement. It is what inspires me and satisfies me the most and without a doubt (at least in my mind) it is what I do best.

    My time and experience in Minneapolis this trip was golden. I will definitely be back soon. Thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Ms. Sonnenberg,
    Once upon a time, a fellow saw a young, attractive, vivacious, violinist on a CBS, 60 minutes episode. He was impressed but, not being a classical music buff, he did not pursue her recordings, or follow her career. For some reason though, he couldn't forget that name, "Nadja Salerno Sonnenberg", an exotic sounding mouthful. Nor could he forget the image of the passionate young musician he saw on the screen.

    Years passed, and this fellow eventually found himself deeply in love with a wonderful woman of wisdom and good taste (her choice of spouse not withstanding). They began attending concerts, and she introduced him to her favorite piece of music, "Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D - Op. 35". He, in turn asked if she knew of a certain violinist he had heard of years before. Surprisingly she had not, so he located some information for her and it was decided that if Ms Sonnenberg ever came to Cincinnati they must go and see her perform.

    A couple more years passed, during which the couple continued to attend concerts, learning new pieces, enjoying many talented soloists. Then one day, the mailman delivered the brochure for the upcoming symphony season. You can imagine the delight when our couple saw that Nadja was coming to Cincinnati. Not only that, but she would play -- You guessed it -- Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto.

    The evening came, the couple took their seats, and were ------ swept up --- enthralled --- overwhelmed --- carried away

    Thank you, Ms Nadja Salerno Sonnenberg, from the bottom of our hearts for giving so much of yourself to the audience. For sweeping us up with you in the joy and passion of the moment and the music. You are a force of nature in music and in life. We will never forget that evening with you, and hope we may share another someday.

    Nadja, please come and play for us again in Cincinnati. With Sincere Appreciation, Jim and Karol
    Dear Jim and Karol
    Once upon a time a violinist read a letter written to her webpage and enjoyed it so much that she decided to post it on her site. Thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Nadja,
    I am excited that you have an invitation to play with the Boston Pops and their terrific new conductor, Keith Lockhart. He's from my home town and I've followed his career along with yours. What fun to see the two of you together.

    Question: On tour, what difference does the conductor make to your performance? I have seen you several times in different cities and notice that some conductors don't seem to know much about you. Yeah, they know the music, but they don't appear to have any special awareness or "chemistry" connection with you. Is that an important factor? How do you deal with this mentally?

    I'll hope for a response in a future article on your web site.

    PS, Saw you twice here in Minneapolis this year. You look great and your performance was fantastic. I'll be seeing you again in Brevard this summer, too! I am a huge fan. -- Allen
    Dear Allen
    I can tell you that the chemistry between a soloist and conductor is not always obvious to the audience. And furthermore, it is not always essencial either. Certainly it helps.... but more on a personal level than professional. As long as both parties know the material and are committed to it, the performance will be successful. But feeling a warmth and kinship and sometimes a wonderful history with your conductor makes the whole experience alot more fun and in some strange way, alot less stressful. Thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Hello Nadja:
    I was thrilled to hear you play on Feb. w/KC Symphony. Heck, I even had center orchestra seats! I have become one of your biggest fans in the past year or so. I actually remember seeing you on the 60 Minutes feature when it first aired, then saw Speaking in Strings and was mesmerized. I have since bought that video, many of your cds, have started both of my sons in Suzuki violin, and purchased my own violin to learn along with them. (I was a music major, but only for a year, piano and trumpet.) I even managed to find a copy of your out-of-print book on eBay, and enjoyed reading it very much.

    I hope I don't sound like just another gushing fan. I admire all that you have accomplished in the classical music "industry," and appreciate the battles you must have fought to succeed in such a "male-dominated" world. I have been struggling with depression and ADD the past several years, and can (perhaps) understand the turmoil you must have experienced trying to persist. Sometimes just getting through the day is a struggle, and I am sure that the pressures of performing, traveling, being away from friends and family, were at times overwhelming.

    I just wanted to let you know that experiencing your great talent has changed the way I look at things, re-ignited my love of classical music, and - you have become the one celebrity that I admire most. It's difficult to explain all of this, I have never written a fan letter before. (go ahead, keep reading...)

    I looked at your concert schedule and was able to confirm that you will be performing with the Missouri Symphony Society in July. (Missouri is mis-spelled on your website, by the way.) I don't know if you ever do this kind of thing, but I would very much like to meet you in person when you come play in Columbia, MO this summer. If there is anything I can to do make that happen, I hope you will let me know.

    I look forward to hearing you play here in Missouri in July, and to following your career in the years to come. Respectfully -- Kim B.
    Hi Kim
    Thank you very much for your letter of great support. And thank you for buying so much of my "stuff" I think it's wonderful that your sons are playing the violin and even cooler that you are learning with them. Sorry about the spelling of Mizoori on my webpage. I guess the best way to meet me is to come backstage after the concert. Thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Hello,
    I was just wondering if Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg will be performing this year on the West Coast, particularly in the San Francisco bay area? We would all certainly love a performance of such a wonderful talent. Your help would be appreciated.

    Never thought that I, a rock and roll fan would come to love violin music until I heard a recording of this talented young womans work. Please come to CA Nadja!!! Thank you -- Jenny
    Hi Jenny
    Am very happy to have converted you into a violin music lover. I play California regularly (it's a big state ya know) but unfortunately I am not playing the San Francisco area this season, and I am not at all sure of my schedule for next season yet. The best way to check where I'll be performing is this webpage. Thanks for writing in, - NSS

    Hello Nadja,
    My name is Caitlin and we wnet to see you in Tampa but you were not there because you hurt your wrist. I play the violin too and I was sad that you were not there. My dad got me the veideo of you and a CD that has all the pieces. I like the Shostakovitch the best #10 on the CD. I hope your wrist is better and maybe you will come to Tampa again. I have just had my birthday and I am 9. I dont practis 13 hours a day like you said but my dad gets me to practis 1 hour every day. Love, -- Caitlin
    ps please write back.

    Dear Caitlin
    I am sorry that I didn't come to Tampa because I hurt my hand, but I am all better now and I promise to come play there real soon. I don't practis 13 hours a day anymore either. That's too much I think, don't you?

    But it's great that your dad makes you practis 1 hour a day. I think that's a good amount for a 9 year old to practis. Tell your dad I think he's a really good dad and I hope I can meet you someday. Thanks for writing in Caitlin and belated happy birthday. - NSS

    Hi
    My husband and I heard you play the Franck Sonata a few years back in Philadelphia and loved it! We were wondering why you have never recorded it as it seems to be such a perfect vehicle for your talent, and, in our joint opinion, no one plays it better. Best regards, -- Meryl

    Dear Meryl
    Thank you for the compliment. In fact I have recorded the Franck Sonata with pianist Cecile Licad on the Angel EMI label. However I am not sure if it is still available. You are welcome to check though! Thanks for writing in, - NSS




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