Nelson violinist Natasha Hall has played music all over the world, but she gets particularly nervous when asked to take the stage in her hometown of Nelson.
“There’s something about playing in your hometown that feels different to anywhere else you play. You have a much more personal connection with the audience as many folks have watched you learn and grow since childhood,” Hall told Vurb via email.
“When you know everyone, there is a little added pressure. ‘Pressure’ has a negative connotation, though. I prefer words like `excitement’ or `energy’ because this heightened state is actually a good thing when it comes to performing. That’s when the magic happens.”
Hall will be playing a March 14 concert at the Capitol Theatre along with Susanne Ruberg-Gordon. The show begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $24 for adults and $14 for students. Hall said the night will take listeners on a musical journey.
“Our program is designed to take the listener on a musical journey of the western world over the past nearly 300 years. I tried to design the structure a bit like a seven course meal—start with salad and end with dessert. A soundscape tasting menu!”
She said they’ll be playing work from all the major compositional periods, including baroque, classical, romantic, impressionist, and modern. There will even be a piece from Henry IV, called “Oblivion” by Piazzolla.
Hall has wanted to play the violin since she was two-years-old.
“I suppose (my parents) thought I would grow out of this notion, but by the time I was seven they finally gave in and allowed me to begin lessons. I haven’t looked back since. My mother actually wanted me to play the cello. Well, I think we all know who won that argument!”
She said she’s in love with the sounds she’s capable of producing.
“Such a beautiful instrument, much like the human voice. And then of course there are the practical benefits to playing the violin like being able to take the fiddle as carry on baggage while flying (thank goodness I didn’t go for the cello!)”
Hall is pleased to be performing with Ruberg-Gordon, who is a highly regarded chamber musician and collaborative pianist. She’s also on faculty of the Mount Royal University Conservatory, and was recently heard last season as a member of the Galena Trio.
Hall is now devoted to raising money for charity.
“In a world where success is often determined by status and financial gain, it is easy to become self-absorbed and forget about the more beautiful side of human nature—having the capacity to love one another. If each of us did one small thing every day to benefit someone else, just think what a better place the world would be already!”
Tickets are available at capitoltheatre.bc.ca or by phone at 250-352-6363.
