I did not pass through the green door - but I did enter across the way.

Gran Teatro La Fenice is one of the most famous theaters in Europe - constructed at the very heart of Italian Baroque music. 

We entered the doors and ascended the lavish staircase. I felt my artist take hold of my coat sleeve as he paused halfway up. "I can't play here - it's the FENICE and that's my name on the playbill!"

Having four kids is an asset to me in this line of work - you learn how to power through the impossible.

"Rubbish! Of course you can, and will! Oh, looky at all the gold!"

I am a lucky manager for my pianist is darling in the extreme, and easy to encourage. I took his coat and scores in my hands as he mounted the stage in the Sala Appolinee to practice. I sat down and listened as the spirits of Vivaldi and Bach entered the room and took their places along the upper banister, waiting to hear how he would interpret their timeless notes. He struck just one, and the tears began to fall.

These are my favorite moments with him. I sit, I snap a few pictures, I walk the room and observe. Sometimes I will catch his eye and feel the very soul of him - a soul which is most evident when he plays.

 

Growing up a simple girl in Los Angeles, never did I dream that I would be there, in that place, on that day. Come to think of it, I did not think I would be in this place, on this day, either.