Chics Dig That Bassline!

This date has been in the planning for several months and finally, here I am with Chi-chi Nwanoku, visiting from London, treating bass students in universities across the US to her musical warmth, passion, and energy. 

I came to know Chi-chi during a time when my younger son was a student of the double bass and learning a Dittersdorf concerto which was on a CD that Chi-chi recorded. We began exchanging emails, I suggested she consider some updates to her website, and the rest is history. Richard (who snapped this photo) and I met Chi-chi in Portland a few years ago when she had a solo performance with the Portland Baroque Orchestra, and today, she is in Seattle for just a few days offering masterclasses at the University of Washington School of Music.

Next stop for Chi-chi is Penn State, then home to London to rehearse with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, (a group she founded) and then back to New York City with the OAE for a Dvorak performance at the end of February. Phew!

Our visit this evening, in between masterclasses, was far too short, but jam-packed with updates and conversation, good food and drink, plus a few good pointers for me on my bow technique which is an ongoing work in progress. As Chi-chi says, "Your bow is your voice!".

Until next time, dear friend! Safe travels!