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This weekend I played a show at the home of Euterpe Farms and Ojai Music Academy, and they have an cozy little cave dugout with a piano in it. One morning I was warming up in there and this favorite Kate Bush song came back to me, so I recorded it on my phone and added some strings when I came home. Here’s a version of “Under the Ivy” from a California garden. Thanks to @smittyandjulija for inviting me to your beautiful place. 🌿

#katebush #undertheivy

Here’s a piece to get your Monday moving!
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Repost from @guitarsaloninternational
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“Pajdushka” is a traditional Balkan dance. Here’s Miroslav Tadić and Yvette Holzwarth performing Tadic’s arrangement of this piece on a violin and a 1987 Manuel Velazquez CD/IN guitar.

More Details & Full Video: https://bit.ly/3xQWPVk
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@yvette.cornelia
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#guitarsaloninternational #classicalguitar #violin #balkandance #balkanmusic #balkan #violinguitar #guitar #duets #traditionalsong #traditionalmusic #guitarmaker #reverb #guitarvideo #violinist 🎥 @_felixsalazar_ @calarts #miroslavtadic #yvetteholzwarth

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
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📸@delipand
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#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
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📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

SoFest представи "Thedosii Spassov and BalkanAmericana"
--
📸@delipand
--
#sofest #festival #concert #theodosiispassov #balkanamericana

This weekend I’m playing in the world premiere of Gilgamesh: The Opera at The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. March 28 at 8pm and March 29 at 4pm.

Commissioned by the Assyrian Arts Institute and created by composer Derrick Skye, librettist Diana Farrell, and dramaturg Dr. Eve Sada, the production reimagines humanity’s oldest myth.

Get your tickets: https://bit.ly/gilgameshtickets

When division seems our new, unhappy normal, composer Kian Ravaei comes along and creates just the opposite; “The Four Seasons of Hamadan” intertwines Persian and Jewish folkloric traditions with 23 stunning minutes of literal and metaphorical harmony, featuring violin and dance. https://www.violinist.com/blog/castadiva/20262/30671/

“The Four Seasons of Hamadan” is now on YouTube. This piece pushed me in the best ways—from learning intricate Persian and Jewish ornaments to moving on stage with the wonderful @katemyerss.

Composer: @kianravaei
Choreographer: @alive_and_well_productions
Videographer: Alex LaLiberte
Audio engineer: Steve Kaplan

Link in bio to watch.

“The Four Seasons of Hamadan” is now on YouTube. This piece pushed me in the best ways—from learning intricate Persian and Jewish ornaments to moving on stage with the wonderful @katemyerss.

Composer: @kianravaei
Choreographer: @alive_and_well_productions
Videographer: Alex LaLiberte
Audio engineer: Steve Kaplan

Link in bio to watch.

Bits and pieces of 2025—a big year for growing up. Losing both grandmothers and watching my sister’s babies get bigger has made me so aware of time passing. My life as a musician is also growing each year with new songs, collaborators, and audiences. Thanks for being a part of it!

Bits and pieces of 2025—a big year for growing up. Losing both grandmothers and watching my sister’s babies get bigger has made me so aware of time passing. My life as a musician is also growing each year with new songs, collaborators, and audiences. Thanks for being a part of it!

Bits and pieces of 2025—a big year for growing up. Losing both grandmothers and watching my sister’s babies get bigger has made me so aware of time passing. My life as a musician is also growing each year with new songs, collaborators, and audiences. Thanks for being a part of it!

Bits and pieces of 2025—a big year for growing up. Losing both grandmothers and watching my sister’s babies get bigger has made me so aware of time passing. My life as a musician is also growing each year with new songs, collaborators, and audiences. Thanks for being a part of it!

Bits and pieces of 2025—a big year for growing up. Losing both grandmothers and watching my sister’s babies get bigger has made me so aware of time passing. My life as a musician is also growing each year with new songs, collaborators, and audiences. Thanks for being a part of it!

Bits and pieces of 2025—a big year for growing up. Losing both grandmothers and watching my sister’s babies get bigger has made me so aware of time passing. My life as a musician is also growing each year with new songs, collaborators, and audiences. Thanks for being a part of it!

Bits and pieces of 2025—a big year for growing up. Losing both grandmothers and watching my sister’s babies get bigger has made me so aware of time passing. My life as a musician is also growing each year with new songs, collaborators, and audiences. Thanks for being a part of it!

Bits and pieces of 2025—a big year for growing up. Losing both grandmothers and watching my sister’s babies get bigger has made me so aware of time passing. My life as a musician is also growing each year with new songs, collaborators, and audiences. Thanks for being a part of it!

Bits and pieces of 2025—a big year for growing up. Losing both grandmothers and watching my sister’s babies get bigger has made me so aware of time passing. My life as a musician is also growing each year with new songs, collaborators, and audiences. Thanks for being a part of it!

Bits and pieces of 2025—a big year for growing up. Losing both grandmothers and watching my sister’s babies get bigger has made me so aware of time passing. My life as a musician is also growing each year with new songs, collaborators, and audiences. Thanks for being a part of it!

🎶✨ Prisjećamo se koncerta iz posebnog vremena –
“Balkan Magic” Miroslav Tadić & Yvette Holzwarth 🎻🎸
Održan povodom 15 godina Nikšić Guitar Festivala, u online izdanju tokom 2020. godine – kada je muzika bila naš najljepši most između ljudi. 💫

📽️ Pogledajte snimak i ponovo osjetite tu toplinu i inspiraciju.
🔗 Link čitavog koncerta u bio!

#NiksicGuitarFestival #15Years #BalkanMagic #MiroslavTadic #YvetteHolzwarth #ClassicalGuitar #Violin #LiveMusic #MusicThroughCrisis #2020 #FestivalMemories

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🎶✨ Remembering a concert from a special time –
“Balkan Magic” Miroslav Tadić & Yvette Holzwarth 🎻🎸
Held to celebrate 15 years of the Nikšić Guitar Festival, during the online 2020 edition – when music was our most beautiful bridge between people. 💫

📽️ Watch the full concert and relive the warmth and inspiration.
🔗 Full concert link in bio!

#NiksicGuitarFestival #15Years #BalkanMagic #MiroslavTadic #YvetteHolzwarth #ClassicalGuitar #Violin #LiveMusic #MusicThroughCrisis #2020 #FestivalMemories

SLIPPING SKYWARD – from “In Spring” by @jameswatermanmusicand @joelreedmankey
Out now - LINK IN BIO!
Featuring the incredible Yvette Holzwarth @yvette.cornelia on Hardanger fiddle.

Thank you to everyone who has streamed and supported our brand new album In Spring. Your messages and listens mean the world to us.

Directed, shot, and edited by @arthurmmok 
Additional camera by @useless.ai
Titles by @pavlessio 

With gratitude to our friend Anastasia for welcoming us to film on her beautiful property in Topanga, and to the community of Topanga Canyon for their warmth and generosity.

Listen and explore the full project at inspringalbum.com

Filmed in Topanga Canyon

#InSpring #SlippingSkyward #YvetteHolzwarth #JamesWaterman #JoelReedMankey #CelticFusion #FolkMusic #TopangaCanyon #LosAngelesMusic #WEEfolkRecords #NewMusic #HardangerFiddle #CinematicFolk #Percussion #IndependentMusic #AlbumRelease

Yesterday night was like living in a dream. We celebrated and paid tribute to the beautiful Minnie Riperton, whose voice and music I’ve loved since being introduced to her album “Come To My Garden” many years ago. So to start out the night with “Les Fleurs” put me on cloud nine.
Thank you @brandoncoleman for giving me the opportunity to play with this incredible band of warm, generous, ridiculously talented people. Special shoutout to the strings — @praxzxari , @bohobunnie , and @hellacello .
Playing on stage with Stevie Wonder and George Benson at the Hollywood Bowl was something out of a fantasy. All the singers — Chanté Moore, Lizz Wright, Aloe Blacc, Alex Isley, Kings Return, säje — brought their own magic. I felt so much love in the Bowl last night. Super grateful and inspired.

@lyndonrochelle @munyungojackson @anthonyvaladez @bonsaiuniverse @kavehrastegar @ttatemusic @rfisher89 @ryanpapaporter @jaywinfield @alinaselah @queenshic1 @syndeewinters @piasalvia

Yesterday night was like living in a dream. We celebrated and paid tribute to the beautiful Minnie Riperton, whose voice and music I’ve loved since being introduced to her album “Come To My Garden” many years ago. So to start out the night with “Les Fleurs” put me on cloud nine.
Thank you @brandoncoleman for giving me the opportunity to play with this incredible band of warm, generous, ridiculously talented people. Special shoutout to the strings — @praxzxari , @bohobunnie , and @hellacello .
Playing on stage with Stevie Wonder and George Benson at the Hollywood Bowl was something out of a fantasy. All the singers — Chanté Moore, Lizz Wright, Aloe Blacc, Alex Isley, Kings Return, säje — brought their own magic. I felt so much love in the Bowl last night. Super grateful and inspired.

@lyndonrochelle @munyungojackson @anthonyvaladez @bonsaiuniverse @kavehrastegar @ttatemusic @rfisher89 @ryanpapaporter @jaywinfield @alinaselah @queenshic1 @syndeewinters @piasalvia

Yesterday night was like living in a dream. We celebrated and paid tribute to the beautiful Minnie Riperton, whose voice and music I’ve loved since being introduced to her album “Come To My Garden” many years ago. So to start out the night with “Les Fleurs” put me on cloud nine.
Thank you @brandoncoleman for giving me the opportunity to play with this incredible band of warm, generous, ridiculously talented people. Special shoutout to the strings — @praxzxari , @bohobunnie , and @hellacello .
Playing on stage with Stevie Wonder and George Benson at the Hollywood Bowl was something out of a fantasy. All the singers — Chanté Moore, Lizz Wright, Aloe Blacc, Alex Isley, Kings Return, säje — brought their own magic. I felt so much love in the Bowl last night. Super grateful and inspired.

@lyndonrochelle @munyungojackson @anthonyvaladez @bonsaiuniverse @kavehrastegar @ttatemusic @rfisher89 @ryanpapaporter @jaywinfield @alinaselah @queenshic1 @syndeewinters @piasalvia

Yesterday night was like living in a dream. We celebrated and paid tribute to the beautiful Minnie Riperton, whose voice and music I’ve loved since being introduced to her album “Come To My Garden” many years ago. So to start out the night with “Les Fleurs” put me on cloud nine.
Thank you @brandoncoleman for giving me the opportunity to play with this incredible band of warm, generous, ridiculously talented people. Special shoutout to the strings — @praxzxari , @bohobunnie , and @hellacello .
Playing on stage with Stevie Wonder and George Benson at the Hollywood Bowl was something out of a fantasy. All the singers — Chanté Moore, Lizz Wright, Aloe Blacc, Alex Isley, Kings Return, säje — brought their own magic. I felt so much love in the Bowl last night. Super grateful and inspired.

@lyndonrochelle @munyungojackson @anthonyvaladez @bonsaiuniverse @kavehrastegar @ttatemusic @rfisher89 @ryanpapaporter @jaywinfield @alinaselah @queenshic1 @syndeewinters @piasalvia

Yesterday night was like living in a dream. We celebrated and paid tribute to the beautiful Minnie Riperton, whose voice and music I’ve loved since being introduced to her album “Come To My Garden” many years ago. So to start out the night with “Les Fleurs” put me on cloud nine.
Thank you @brandoncoleman for giving me the opportunity to play with this incredible band of warm, generous, ridiculously talented people. Special shoutout to the strings — @praxzxari , @bohobunnie , and @hellacello .
Playing on stage with Stevie Wonder and George Benson at the Hollywood Bowl was something out of a fantasy. All the singers — Chanté Moore, Lizz Wright, Aloe Blacc, Alex Isley, Kings Return, säje — brought their own magic. I felt so much love in the Bowl last night. Super grateful and inspired.

@lyndonrochelle @munyungojackson @anthonyvaladez @bonsaiuniverse @kavehrastegar @ttatemusic @rfisher89 @ryanpapaporter @jaywinfield @alinaselah @queenshic1 @syndeewinters @piasalvia

Yesterday night was like living in a dream. We celebrated and paid tribute to the beautiful Minnie Riperton, whose voice and music I’ve loved since being introduced to her album “Come To My Garden” many years ago. So to start out the night with “Les Fleurs” put me on cloud nine.
Thank you @brandoncoleman for giving me the opportunity to play with this incredible band of warm, generous, ridiculously talented people. Special shoutout to the strings — @praxzxari , @bohobunnie , and @hellacello .
Playing on stage with Stevie Wonder and George Benson at the Hollywood Bowl was something out of a fantasy. All the singers — Chanté Moore, Lizz Wright, Aloe Blacc, Alex Isley, Kings Return, säje — brought their own magic. I felt so much love in the Bowl last night. Super grateful and inspired.

@lyndonrochelle @munyungojackson @anthonyvaladez @bonsaiuniverse @kavehrastegar @ttatemusic @rfisher89 @ryanpapaporter @jaywinfield @alinaselah @queenshic1 @syndeewinters @piasalvia

Yesterday night was like living in a dream. We celebrated and paid tribute to the beautiful Minnie Riperton, whose voice and music I’ve loved since being introduced to her album “Come To My Garden” many years ago. So to start out the night with “Les Fleurs” put me on cloud nine.
Thank you @brandoncoleman for giving me the opportunity to play with this incredible band of warm, generous, ridiculously talented people. Special shoutout to the strings — @praxzxari , @bohobunnie , and @hellacello .
Playing on stage with Stevie Wonder and George Benson at the Hollywood Bowl was something out of a fantasy. All the singers — Chanté Moore, Lizz Wright, Aloe Blacc, Alex Isley, Kings Return, säje — brought their own magic. I felt so much love in the Bowl last night. Super grateful and inspired.

@lyndonrochelle @munyungojackson @anthonyvaladez @bonsaiuniverse @kavehrastegar @ttatemusic @rfisher89 @ryanpapaporter @jaywinfield @alinaselah @queenshic1 @syndeewinters @piasalvia

Two monumental figures in my life — my grandmothers who I called Oma and Laolao — have moved on from this life to the next. They’ve always been there for me and I feel incredibly lucky to have had two extraordinary grandmothers in my life until the age of 37.
Oma was a storyteller, woodworker, magic gardener, baker, seamstress, and painter. She grew up on a farm in Switzerland and seemed to be able to make anything with her hands. Once I brought her a neglected walnut chair that I found on the street and she helped me sand it down, refinish, and upholster it. I learned so much from her.
My most formative memories are of Laolao who cared for me often when I was a baby. I’m glad that I was able to see her one last time this past month. She greeted me as always “宝贝儿” and asked me if I had enough food to eat. When I was in college at UCLA and before I had a car, she would drive across town from San Gabriel Valley to Westwood bringing me tupperware of my favorite dishes. To me, her food was the most delicious cooking in the world. I tried to recreate her beef and carrot dumplings once and marveled at the labor she went through to make me food. She completely spoiled me.
I love both of them so much and miss them dearly. They will live in my memory forever ❤️ ❤️

Two monumental figures in my life — my grandmothers who I called Oma and Laolao — have moved on from this life to the next. They’ve always been there for me and I feel incredibly lucky to have had two extraordinary grandmothers in my life until the age of 37.
Oma was a storyteller, woodworker, magic gardener, baker, seamstress, and painter. She grew up on a farm in Switzerland and seemed to be able to make anything with her hands. Once I brought her a neglected walnut chair that I found on the street and she helped me sand it down, refinish, and upholster it. I learned so much from her.
My most formative memories are of Laolao who cared for me often when I was a baby. I’m glad that I was able to see her one last time this past month. She greeted me as always “宝贝儿” and asked me if I had enough food to eat. When I was in college at UCLA and before I had a car, she would drive across town from San Gabriel Valley to Westwood bringing me tupperware of my favorite dishes. To me, her food was the most delicious cooking in the world. I tried to recreate her beef and carrot dumplings once and marveled at the labor she went through to make me food. She completely spoiled me.
I love both of them so much and miss them dearly. They will live in my memory forever ❤️ ❤️

Two monumental figures in my life — my grandmothers who I called Oma and Laolao — have moved on from this life to the next. They’ve always been there for me and I feel incredibly lucky to have had two extraordinary grandmothers in my life until the age of 37.
Oma was a storyteller, woodworker, magic gardener, baker, seamstress, and painter. She grew up on a farm in Switzerland and seemed to be able to make anything with her hands. Once I brought her a neglected walnut chair that I found on the street and she helped me sand it down, refinish, and upholster it. I learned so much from her.
My most formative memories are of Laolao who cared for me often when I was a baby. I’m glad that I was able to see her one last time this past month. She greeted me as always “宝贝儿” and asked me if I had enough food to eat. When I was in college at UCLA and before I had a car, she would drive across town from San Gabriel Valley to Westwood bringing me tupperware of my favorite dishes. To me, her food was the most delicious cooking in the world. I tried to recreate her beef and carrot dumplings once and marveled at the labor she went through to make me food. She completely spoiled me.
I love both of them so much and miss them dearly. They will live in my memory forever ❤️ ❤️

Two monumental figures in my life — my grandmothers who I called Oma and Laolao — have moved on from this life to the next. They’ve always been there for me and I feel incredibly lucky to have had two extraordinary grandmothers in my life until the age of 37.
Oma was a storyteller, woodworker, magic gardener, baker, seamstress, and painter. She grew up on a farm in Switzerland and seemed to be able to make anything with her hands. Once I brought her a neglected walnut chair that I found on the street and she helped me sand it down, refinish, and upholster it. I learned so much from her.
My most formative memories are of Laolao who cared for me often when I was a baby. I’m glad that I was able to see her one last time this past month. She greeted me as always “宝贝儿” and asked me if I had enough food to eat. When I was in college at UCLA and before I had a car, she would drive across town from San Gabriel Valley to Westwood bringing me tupperware of my favorite dishes. To me, her food was the most delicious cooking in the world. I tried to recreate her beef and carrot dumplings once and marveled at the labor she went through to make me food. She completely spoiled me.
I love both of them so much and miss them dearly. They will live in my memory forever ❤️ ❤️

Two monumental figures in my life — my grandmothers who I called Oma and Laolao — have moved on from this life to the next. They’ve always been there for me and I feel incredibly lucky to have had two extraordinary grandmothers in my life until the age of 37.
Oma was a storyteller, woodworker, magic gardener, baker, seamstress, and painter. She grew up on a farm in Switzerland and seemed to be able to make anything with her hands. Once I brought her a neglected walnut chair that I found on the street and she helped me sand it down, refinish, and upholster it. I learned so much from her.
My most formative memories are of Laolao who cared for me often when I was a baby. I’m glad that I was able to see her one last time this past month. She greeted me as always “宝贝儿” and asked me if I had enough food to eat. When I was in college at UCLA and before I had a car, she would drive across town from San Gabriel Valley to Westwood bringing me tupperware of my favorite dishes. To me, her food was the most delicious cooking in the world. I tried to recreate her beef and carrot dumplings once and marveled at the labor she went through to make me food. She completely spoiled me.
I love both of them so much and miss them dearly. They will live in my memory forever ❤️ ❤️

Two monumental figures in my life — my grandmothers who I called Oma and Laolao — have moved on from this life to the next. They’ve always been there for me and I feel incredibly lucky to have had two extraordinary grandmothers in my life until the age of 37.
Oma was a storyteller, woodworker, magic gardener, baker, seamstress, and painter. She grew up on a farm in Switzerland and seemed to be able to make anything with her hands. Once I brought her a neglected walnut chair that I found on the street and she helped me sand it down, refinish, and upholster it. I learned so much from her.
My most formative memories are of Laolao who cared for me often when I was a baby. I’m glad that I was able to see her one last time this past month. She greeted me as always “宝贝儿” and asked me if I had enough food to eat. When I was in college at UCLA and before I had a car, she would drive across town from San Gabriel Valley to Westwood bringing me tupperware of my favorite dishes. To me, her food was the most delicious cooking in the world. I tried to recreate her beef and carrot dumplings once and marveled at the labor she went through to make me food. She completely spoiled me.
I love both of them so much and miss them dearly. They will live in my memory forever ❤️ ❤️

Two monumental figures in my life — my grandmothers who I called Oma and Laolao — have moved on from this life to the next. They’ve always been there for me and I feel incredibly lucky to have had two extraordinary grandmothers in my life until the age of 37.
Oma was a storyteller, woodworker, magic gardener, baker, seamstress, and painter. She grew up on a farm in Switzerland and seemed to be able to make anything with her hands. Once I brought her a neglected walnut chair that I found on the street and she helped me sand it down, refinish, and upholster it. I learned so much from her.
My most formative memories are of Laolao who cared for me often when I was a baby. I’m glad that I was able to see her one last time this past month. She greeted me as always “宝贝儿” and asked me if I had enough food to eat. When I was in college at UCLA and before I had a car, she would drive across town from San Gabriel Valley to Westwood bringing me tupperware of my favorite dishes. To me, her food was the most delicious cooking in the world. I tried to recreate her beef and carrot dumplings once and marveled at the labor she went through to make me food. She completely spoiled me.
I love both of them so much and miss them dearly. They will live in my memory forever ❤️ ❤️

Two monumental figures in my life — my grandmothers who I called Oma and Laolao — have moved on from this life to the next. They’ve always been there for me and I feel incredibly lucky to have had two extraordinary grandmothers in my life until the age of 37.
Oma was a storyteller, woodworker, magic gardener, baker, seamstress, and painter. She grew up on a farm in Switzerland and seemed to be able to make anything with her hands. Once I brought her a neglected walnut chair that I found on the street and she helped me sand it down, refinish, and upholster it. I learned so much from her.
My most formative memories are of Laolao who cared for me often when I was a baby. I’m glad that I was able to see her one last time this past month. She greeted me as always “宝贝儿” and asked me if I had enough food to eat. When I was in college at UCLA and before I had a car, she would drive across town from San Gabriel Valley to Westwood bringing me tupperware of my favorite dishes. To me, her food was the most delicious cooking in the world. I tried to recreate her beef and carrot dumplings once and marveled at the labor she went through to make me food. She completely spoiled me.
I love both of them so much and miss them dearly. They will live in my memory forever ❤️ ❤️

Two monumental figures in my life — my grandmothers who I called Oma and Laolao — have moved on from this life to the next. They’ve always been there for me and I feel incredibly lucky to have had two extraordinary grandmothers in my life until the age of 37.
Oma was a storyteller, woodworker, magic gardener, baker, seamstress, and painter. She grew up on a farm in Switzerland and seemed to be able to make anything with her hands. Once I brought her a neglected walnut chair that I found on the street and she helped me sand it down, refinish, and upholster it. I learned so much from her.
My most formative memories are of Laolao who cared for me often when I was a baby. I’m glad that I was able to see her one last time this past month. She greeted me as always “宝贝儿” and asked me if I had enough food to eat. When I was in college at UCLA and before I had a car, she would drive across town from San Gabriel Valley to Westwood bringing me tupperware of my favorite dishes. To me, her food was the most delicious cooking in the world. I tried to recreate her beef and carrot dumplings once and marveled at the labor she went through to make me food. She completely spoiled me.
I love both of them so much and miss them dearly. They will live in my memory forever ❤️ ❤️

MESTO just released an album of traditional Middle Eastern music that’s been a while in the making! We’re also playing a 25th anniversary concert at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica on September 14 if you want to catch the orchestra live.

“4 Longas & 4 Sama’is” performed by MESTO
Conducted by Nabil Azzam
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Scott Fraser
Produced by Nabil Azzam and T.J. Troy
Cover design by me