Music Among Friends

Part of the joy in hearing musicians perform with Pacific Serenades is that many of them have performed together for so many years, developing a warm rapport among themselves. Old friends Roland Kato, Kathleen Lenski, and David Speltz come together once again to perform on the opening concerts of our 23rd season.

“It’s always fun to play for Pacific Serenades,” said violist Roland Kato, “because I get to play and visit with my friends, some of whom I’ve known for over 30 years. We’re usually so busy and in different parts of the country, so it’s a minor miracle when we can all be in the same room!”

Performing with friends makes an enjoyable concert much more personal. As cellist David Speltz explained, “I’ve gotten to the point where I really only enjoy making music with people I really admire and like. Life is too short to suffer with anything less. It goes beyond rehearsing with a sense of ease and common ideals about the music; it’s also a social thing. I like musicians who enjoy each other’s company after the work is done. Roland is a great cook, and always has wonderful things around his home to entertain and amuse.”

Violinist Kathie Lenski also enjoys performing with Pacific Serenades because of its connections to long-time friends. “David and I have played so many chamber music concerts, including with Musical Offering, that it’s hard to even remember them all. We have always had an easy time agreeing on musical concepts and have shared a million laughs and lots of terrible jokes!” Kathie said.

“Roland and I shared many experiences with LACO,” Kathie went on. “When I was co-concertmaster under Iona Brown, who was tough to work for, Roland’s calm, grounded presence helped me get through some very stressful times. We have also played so much chamber music over the years, and I find our approach to sound very similar. There is a sense of ease between us that just comes naturally.”

Roland’s association with Kathie began while he was a student. “I remember being in awe of Kathie since I first met her while I was in college in the early 70’s. It was when her trio with Paul Polivnick and Jeff Solow played the Schoenberg String Trio for our composition class, which was taught by Schoenberg protegé Leonard Stein.”

David’s long-time connection to Pacific Serenades is also a family affair, which includes his wife, violinist Connie Kupka, and sons, cellist Brook Speltz and violinist Brendan Speltz.

He also shared, “I went from a math major background to playing at the Casals Festival and at Town Hall in NYC with the likes of Kathie, oboist Allan Vogel, and so many others. How lucky I am! I feel even more fortunate because of the fact that Mark [Carlson] likes me as well as my work, and includes me in almost all of the programs (maybe everyone else is busy… I hope that’s not the case!). It’s really the high point of my musical year. Pacific Serenades and all its musicians and staff are indeed my second family.”