Erie Girl Meets Famous Pianist

A couple of weeks ago Bruce and I attended a concert given by our (especially MY) favorite pianist, Sir Andras Schiff. I have attended every concert he has given in the Washington area over the last few years. I think that may number six. I was attracted to Schiff's playing when I resumed piano lessons after a hiatus of, say, 60 years. In particular, I was drawn to his interpretations of the preludes and fugues in Bach's Well Tempered Clavier, or as the real musicians call it, the WTC. On this night he played Schubert. For three hours, minus a 20 minute intermission. And, of course, after all this, he gave an encore, generous spirit that he is. After the concert was over, we ran into the person who had introduced him. Later I discovered this was Jenny Bilfield, the president of the Washington Performing Arts Society. I asked her if I could meet him "sometime," and she indicated it was possible, but not tonight. "He's exhausted," she explained. "Well, I would DIE to meet him," I rejoined, and with this, she eyed me contemplatively, and then spoke. "Would you like to go backstage now?" OMG, would I?! So there we were, down a couple of flights of stairs, and there he was. I took his precious right hand in two of mine (Jenny must have been thinking, I hope she doesn't break it), telling him he was my inspiration. He was gracious even though I could see that he was, actually exhausted. Then he kindly greeted Bruce and we were out of there. But what a moment. I was floating for days. If only my piano teachers of the past and my mother could have seen this!