There is something about the stage that has caught my attention since I was very young. I loved that I could be a part of expressing something that was beautiful. When I perform today, my hope is that the audience will focus less on me and more on the music and what is happening inside them as a result. 

I had the opportunity as a teen to hear a performance of J.S. Bach's Concerto for 2 Violins played outdoors on the mountains of Whistler, BC. I was struck by how the music and surroundings fit together with such order, emotion and elegance. I remember noticing how the musicians seemed moved by this as well.

I later learned that Bach wrote Soli Deo Gloria at the end of his compositions. The phrase in English means Glory to God alone. I realized what had moved me so many years ago was the experience of God’s creation and glory. The evidence was all around: the mountains, trees, water and sky. And Bach’s beautiful composition played by the skillful musicians. The experience is still fresh in my mind.