What a ride this past month was! First my debut with the Berlin Phil, and right afterwards the World Premiere of Magnetar, the electric cello concerto by Enrico Chapela, together with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and their music director Gustavo Dudamel.
As always, I had the BEST time in Los Angeles! I just love it there: People are so enthusiastic and positive, and the orchestra creates a wonderful working environment. There is such a “Lets just do it!” attitude which I just find so invigorating, inspiring, and refreshing! It has been my fifth visit since my first appearance at the Hollywood Bowl in 2005, and I am so grateful for this truly wonderful partnership.

This World Premiere was also my first collaboration with Maestro Gustavo Dudamel. Working with him, I discovered that behind his very visible, electrifying and energetic personality there is a thoughtful, friendly, easy going and very hard working man who has the highest standards for others around him as well as for himself. And it only takes a minute and you feel you want to be his best friend!

Magnetar was a hit! I was pleasantly surprised how enthusiastic the public was after the performances at Disney Hall in Los Angeles and Davies Hall in San Francisco. You just never know with a first performance, it can go really well or really poorly, and believe me, I have experienced it both ways…

Here are some clips on our work with Magnetar: