Scratch That: Glance Back, Look Ahead

Andrew Nogal, oboist of Ensemble Dal Niente and The City of Tomorrow
Favorite 2012 musical moment:
Performing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto with the incredible James Ehnes, the Beethoven Festival Orchestra, and conductor Daniel Boico. While the International Beethoven Festival is not squarely focused on new music, it represents a radical new model for bringing artists, styles, and audiences together. I am extremely curious to see what the festival’s founder, pianist George Lepauw, is planning for 2013 and beyond.
New Year’s Resolution:
I suppose I should resolve to use my downtime more productively. Certain months overflow with rich, artistically rewarding performances and projects, while others are dull enough to drive me insane. I’m still learning how to handle the unpredictable pulse of life as a freelance musician.
Looking forward to in 2013:
I’m looking forward to touring the West Coast with my wind quintet, The City of Tomorrow, in March. One of my composer friends astutely observed, “It’s easy to live like an artist when you’re on tour,” and it’s true that I thrive creatively when I’m traveling. That said, the new music scene in Chicago is blazing hot, so I’m also excited to hear memorable performances by my friends and colleagues in the new year.