I was asked to host Stefán Hoskuldsson (from Iceland) as he transitioned from principal flutist with the Met to the principal flutist and soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The synchronicities that followed Stephan and I around, are each astonishing stories in their own right. (The look-alike fashion statement was not planned). But I skip those to get right to some real magic for you.
Stefán honored us with his attendance to the City Winery on Sunday, January 13, 2019, where Chamber Blues was presenting country blues diva, Tracy Nelson from Nashville as our featured coollaborator . Our beautiful violinist Azusa Tashiro was filling in for Chihsuan who was touring in Vietnam. I had told Stefán that we had a substitute violinist and that it’s a shame he wouldn’t get to also meet Chihsuan.
I brought he and his wife Natalie back stage before the concert and Natalie and Azusa screamed with joy. They had been close friends in school many years before.
Backstage at Chicago Winery before concert with Holly, Stefán, Me, Natalie, and Azusa
Stefán also had some surprises when he met our tabla player, Kalyan, who is from India. As it turns out, Stefán is very close friends with Kalyan’s cousins who lives in upper state New York.
Still backstage at the City Winery with Kalyan, Stefán, Me, Natalie and Azusa
After the concert Stefán told me his was leaving for a tour with the Chicago Symphony in China and we would see each other again when he returned.
Exactly one week later on Sunday, January 20, 2019, I received this text message from Chihsuan.
At the time Chihsuan took this selfie, she she didn’t know that Stefán had just seen us perform with Azusa.
What more can I say?