The Space Between the Notes – XLVI

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“This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”
– From “Man and Superman”, by George Bernard Shaw

The human condition. How infinite a state, how complex to describe. Someone recently asked me if I were to work not because I need to earn a living but simply work for the sake, or indeed the love of it, what kind of work would I like to do?
Without contemplation, I responded with, “something difficult”. Difficult. Complex to describe. Infinite. Something that requires courage. Something only a human being could dream up.

Photo: János Fejér

The 15^th edition of the GAIA Music Festivals celebrates “Mensch – Of Courageous Freedom and Freed Courage.” At this year's 10-day festival, we take you on a vast and interconnected global journey, sharing stories about people, courage and the desire for freedom. We are joined by fifty musicians and artists from all over the world. In a troubled and turbulent world, we take solace in knowing that as long as we play, we are free.

We so much look forward to welcoming you!

Please find out more about the programme at the dates listed below:

- Opening Night: Friday, 26th April, 6:30 p.m. – Oberhofen on Lake Thun – Tickets
- The Journey: Saturday, 27th April, 7:30 p.m. – Klösterli, Oberhofen – Tickets
- The Journey: Sunday, 28th April, 11:00 a.m. – Klösterli, Oberhofen – Tickets
- Crossing Frontiers: Wednesday, 1st May, 7:30 p.m. – Hilterfingen Church – Tickets
- The Travellers: Thursday, 2nd May, 7:30 p.m. – The Town Church Thun – Tickets
- Infused with Passion: Friday, 3rd May, 6:30 p.m. – Casino Bern – Tickets
- From A to B: Saturday, 4th May, 7:30 p.m. – Scherzligen Church – Tickets
- The Song within the Walls: Sunday, 5th May, 11:00 a.m. – Oberhofen Castle – Tickets
- Exile and Reconciliation: Sunday, 5th May, 5:00 p.m. – Hilterfingen Church – Tickets

Mourning the Passing of Igor Ozim

My teacher, Professor Igor Ozim, passed away very recently, on 23 March 2024.

I came to his class as an 18-year-old, fresh from a series of summer master classes with him in his home country Slovenia, and in Semmering and Klagenfurt, Austria. Professor Ozim cared greatly for his students. Unable to afford studies in Switzerland, he sent me a list of competitions I could play at, in order to obtain the necessary financial basis upon which to study in his class in Bern. I won one of those competitions, and travelled from Dublin, a violin case in one hand, suitcase in the other.

You can find my memories of him here.

Classic Point Interview

Photo: Balázs Böröcz

Classicpoint.net is the largest online portal for classical music in Switzerland.

I'm thrilled to have been interviewed by its editor, Florian Schär. Read the interview here.

Win Happy Podcast Release

Photo: Balázs Böröcz

Greg Canty, host of the “Win Happy” podcast invited me as a guest. The ensuing conversation, including the eternal search for happiness can be listened to here.