This past spring, the HochStrings Adult Chamber Orchestra continued to meet even after the start of COVID-19, moving to Zoom instead of gathering in person for rehearsals at The Hochstein School.
HochStrings Director Pia Liptak says, “It was wonderful to stay in touch, to catch up with each other, and of course play. Everyone has become friends and more than just a member of an orchestra.”
She continues, “We have medical workers in the group and everyone has cared about everyone else’s safety. Music has provided an important and beautiful time away from all the stresses of this time.”
Since there is a time delay when playing together online, the members took turns “leading” the sessions. One person would play their part – for example, viola – and everyone else could listen and, while muted, play their own part.
“Everyone agreed that this was a surprisingly useful way of getting to know the music we were playing,” said Pia, “hearing each piece layer by layer.”
The group finished with Pia making a video of a Bach concerto with a young soloist from her studio – combining 15 different recordings and some images! Below is a snippet of the final video, or click here to watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bGAKowuLp04.
HochStrings continues this summer with a four-session mini camp over two weeks, starting August 4. For more information about the camp, visit https://hochstein.org/Summer/Summer-Camps/HochStrings-Adult-Chamber-Orchestra-Mini-Camp-ONLINE.
Pictured in the Zoom session:
Top row L-R: Linda, Pia, Abby, David, Elaine
Second row: Sally, Maria, Etta, Marigrace
Third row: Whitney, Michele, Lou, Teresa
Fourth row: Joan