There were no professional musicians in my family, but singing was a large part of our party entertainment. I chose the cello when all the instruments were played at our elementary school. I guess the Swan won me over.
The most powerful experience in my early years was attending Kneisel Hall in Blue Hill, Maine, where a world of chamber music was opened to me, coached by master musicians. I believe there is no better way to grow than to be in a chamber music group!
In high school, I spent weekends at Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division studying with David Wells, continuing my education at Manhattan School of Music and Hartt College of Music, studying with Raya Garbousova.
Loretta performs Dec. 21 and 22 with Aston Magna’s presentation of Handel & Bach:
Music for a Winter Solstice
My introduction to early music was through music history classes with the wonderful tenor Robert White. He told us about the beginning of Aston Magna, and in 1981, I attended my first astounding Aston Magna Academy, focusing on Monteverdi. I
studied with the wonderful baroque cellists Freddie Arico and John Hsu, and soon after, performed and recorded the Biber Mystery Sonatas with violinist Evan Johnson, now my husband of over 20 years!
I later became cellist with the Classical Quartet and the Haydn Baritone Trio, and am the longtime cellist with the Four Nations Ensemble, directed by Albert Fuller’s student Andrew Appel. So many musical connections can be traced to Aston Magna!
Thank you, Dan for continuing to be a musical inspiration!