Zandary Gallery, March 1st

Our string quartet met on March 1st, at a gallery called Zandary in Hongdae area, which is considered the hip college district in Seoul. I arrived at the space with help of directions given to me on my cell phone as I walked through the maze-like tiny streets. Our violist, Michelle, knows the curator of the gallery and she was able to persuade them to rent the second floor reception space for us for a moderate reantal fee. Equipped with sheet music, music stand and passion to make music, we warmed up with Mozart's divertmento. It was not bad at all. In fact, it was better than I expected. I think we are well matched for both skill and intention. Although Michelle's playing is a level above everyone else, her push comes with the most appropriate dosage. Mr. Jang, our second violinist, keeps steady rhythm and excellent at sightreading. Dr. Yang, our cellist, is quiet, but knows the music. Beethoven wrote six string quartet music in early days. They are numbered as Op 18, No 1 ~No 6. Our heart is in the number 1. Now, I am undoubtedly under pressure. I haven't made a complete transition from the second violin to the first. I miss those days when I played 2nd violin in suburbs of Boston, safely under the guidance of Dr. Sebastian, then our 81 year old first violinist. Here, I need to lead and more expressive. Although, I know that I can do it somehow, it's still scary.