Had an absolutely fabulous experience playing viola with the San Juan Symphony this past weekend. Along with Beethoven's Creatures of Prometheus overture and the always incredible and powerful Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, we played the world premier of James Stephenson's Concerto for Hope with trumpet soloist Ryan Anthony.

As it turns out, my stand partner was Brian Newnam, who used to live in Los Alamos and knows my cousins the Tillerys! His wife Kate is a fine violinist as well.

Our guest conductor, Geoffry Robson, currently with the Arkansas Symphony, did a fine job, connecting with the orchestra and the audience alike.