Kimberly Nelson of Euless has spent her time in coronavirus isolation perfecting a trombone piece that won her a coveted spot in The Philadelphia International Music Festival’s virtual Master Class with Philadelphia Orchestra Co-Principal Trombone Matthew Vaughn on Friday, October 23rd, 2020 at 7 p.m. The prestigious online Master Class series attracts auditions from gifted musicians the world over, eager to perform for stars of The Philadelphia Orchestra on PIMF’s faculty.
“We’ve been seeing some very high-caliber young musical talent submitting extraordinary auditions,” says PIMF President Sandy Marcucci. “We’re delighted by the enthusiasm and so heartened to see how young musicians are pursuing their musical passion with a will to learn and improve in spite of so much disruption.”
Kimberly, a 17-year-old 11th-grader at Colleyville Heritage High School, will play Vladislav Blazhevich’s G Minor Etude - Lento for Mr. Vaughn and a worldwide online audience at Friday’s interactive Master Class, after which she’ll receive analysis and constructive criticism from the nationally-renowned (and Dallas-born!) trombonist, along with supportive running commentary from viewers in real time.
“This piece is Blazhevich's most dramatic lyrical etude, and I love the romanticism and expressiveness I can portray through it. I am drawn to lyrical music, as I feel it best demonstrates my passion for playing the trombone,” Kimberly explains. “I am preparing by practicing the piece every day and reminding myself to play from the heart. I find that I enjoy music the most when I am focused on expressing myself, not just playing the right notes.”
Kimberly is a member of the Colleyville Heritage instrumental program as well as the world-renowned Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra program. She studies trombone with Joey Prescott.
“More and more, we’re finding that there’s a real hunger for that connection to live classical music performance that we’ve had to put on hold during the pandemic,” Ms. Marcucci adds, “along with a growing interest in improving musical skills and even just learning something new. Not to mention, we’re showcasing the classical music superstars of tomorrow! Our Master Class series hits all the right notes for so many music lovers, and we’re delighted to make them widely accessible.”