In July of 2016, my wife, Kimberly, was diagnosed with breast cancer, precisely one year and one week after we were married. The next year was full of doctor visits, surgeries and treatments, stress, despair and hopelessness, and love, charity and gratitude. It was all worth it as she is now a survivor!

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The experience caused a good deal of reflection on my role as an artist. I’ve always valued classical music as a way to connect people through stories, experiences and feelings, and I felt that I could use our journey to give greater meaning to my playing. I wanted to put together a recital program of pieces that could speak to the struggle we endured, and the faith, love and victory that helped us through.​
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​None of the works are explicitly written with the fight against cancer in mind, yet they can each be associated with some aspect of our story, all gathered under the title “Choosing Joy”, something of a mantra for Kimberly:

• Kenosis by Garrett Hope, representing rest coming out of chaos
• Ballade (Op. 10, No. 4) by Johannes Brahms, a very sad piece masked with a smile.
• Ballade by Samuel Barber, representing agitation
• Ballad by Amy Beach, representing the love my wife and I have for each other, and love shown by friends, family and community in difficult times..
• ‘Eroica’ Variations by Ludwig van Beethoven, signaling victory.

​First performances were in the  spring of 2018; I'm looking forward to performing this recital program throughout 2018 and 2019. I'm hoping to partner with churches, cancer support centers, or  survivors and caregivers; anyone who wants to help put an audience together. Please email me for more information. ​