Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to participate in an out-of-the-box performance; which wound up being more in my box than some of the other things I do. I was invited to join Opera Delaware company artist Emily Margevich in a featured recital. This recital would be a change of subject from Opera; one that reached back to Emily's formative years in professional musical theater. The soprano who had just been featured in Opera Delaware's production of La Boehme would be going "Great American Songbook". And she was steered to me by Executive Director Brendan Cooke as the accompanist to go there with her. 

Typically, in this realm, piano accompaniment, though a collaborative effort with the featured performer, is less of an "equal partner" thing than can happen in my realm. Put another way, I was conscious of wanting to keep Emily in the "spotlight" throughout the performance (every situation has a context, and every context its own center of gravity). But, during the rehearsal process for Emily's first featured recital as an Opera Delaware company artist, she made it clear that she wanted me to go for it (whatever it was in the moment). So I did, enjoying a solid musical connection and rapport with Emily (and she and I with the audience) throughout the performance. It was, in many respects, the musical dance of 2 people holding hands and frolicking around the landscape that, to me, is what this is all about (Charlie Brown). Grateful for Brendan Cooke for his vision, and Emily for knowing, and embracing what could be. The performance was Emily's, and I was there to support her, whatever that would mean. Here's part of what Emily wrote in her program notes: 

"Brendan Cooke was so wise to pair me with the inimitable Joe Holt. Because Joe is so uniquely and incredibly talented, I am fortunate to sing any song that I want. The importance of the feel of a song is the key. He and I had an immediate connection to understand and know this music on a soul- and spiritual level. No lengthy explanation is required. We found in each other a true partnership of collaborative space and inspiration. He follows me because I am following him, and we both are following our instinct to the sacred text and magical music that can never even try to be explained or learned." 

The audience reviews, posted on Google, were gratifying and validating (whether I am mentioned or not). Mission accomplished. Read the reviews here.