A Musical Endeavor

Two years ago, Oldest Daughter, Lauren, and violinist, Holly Jenkins, brought their music to Jordan and Palestine, seeking to engage people with limited opportunities of experiencing classical music. Through musical performance, teaching, and workshops, they shared their music, while learning about different forms and possibilities of cross-cultural engagement. These experiences planted a seed of vision in Lauren; during the past two years that seed has germinated and sprouted, and now it continues to grow.

This summer, Lauren, plans to return to the Middle East, this time with her friend and fellow musician, Danny Lai. A violist, Danny  has nurtured a similar vision of how he might share the gift of music he has received. When he and Lauren met at Northwestern University, where they study with Roland and Almita Vamos, a collaboration began.

One of the goals of their project is to explore long term possibilities for similar music projects for themselves and other musicians, and to consider what sort of framework might best support such efforts. I love their vision and their ambition. And, of course, I look forward to seeing Lauren and Danny in Jordan this summer, and hearing them play music together.

You can read more about their project on their Kickstarter page.