Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Colin O’Donohoe
Pangean Orchestra

What’s New?
I’m so excited to tell you that the website for my new ensemble is finally up. www.pangeanorchestra.com
My mission with the group is to create a modern ensemble that celebrates the common bonds within all cultures through celebrating our music. I believe that if we spend more time jamming with each other and talking to each other, we’ll spend less time bombing each other.

I remember being in a mail store waiting to ship out a package during the first couple days of our war in Iraq (remember those “shock and awe” days?) The man behind me in line was talking loudly on his cell phone. I don’t remember his full conversation, but a few words that he spoke will never leave me.
“Yeah, why don’t you come over later, we’ll have a few beers and watch the bombs drop”. I felt physically ill and almost threw up in the store. I had never heard such callas indifference to human life. I thought, this is a tragedy, families, kids, are dying and Americans are going to watch it like a football game over beer and chips. I knew then I had to do something to prevent more events and thoughts like this. Now, I have this group that can hopefully begin to bridge Americans understanding of our place on the planet as well as our neighbors.

We’ll perform modern tunes, ancient songs, and everything in between.
A lot of people have expressed some skepticism towards the idea of having such diverse instruments on one stage at the same time. I know that it may take a few rehearsals to find a good balance between the instruments and players, but I know it can be achieved. I have to take a page from our President as the “eternal optimist” as he refers to himself and believe that this orchestra can have an incredible sound that blends well and doesn’t sound like a terradactyl choking on a bicycle.

When you visit the site you’ll see examples of some of the instruments featured in the group. We don’t have all of our musicians yet, so if you know anyone in Phoenix AZ that wants to join, please tell them to contact me. I tried very hard to find video’s that had good sound quality and a good video that showed you what the instrument looked like. Enjoy, and let me know what you think of the group and the site.

Songs that I adore: Schumann Cello concerto in A minor

I first heard this piece of music when I was beginning my undergraduate music studies. I fell in love with the Cello from this piece. I was so amazed at how beautiful and expressive the sound was. I had never really heard such an incredible display of artistic beauty before hearing that piece of music.

I remember sitting in a library one afternoon determined to take advantage of the recordings in the music library. I sat with the earphones on and a notebook to write down my thoughts. I don’t know why I chose that recording but I’m so glad that I did. I don’t remember the cellist unfortunately though. I do remember sitting through the Dvorak concerto first and not being excited by it (sorry).

The music just completely captivated me as I dropped my pen and listened. I couldn’t spoil the moment by analyzing it, I just had to listen. It was similar to when I heard “A Love Supreme” (John Coltrane) for the first time and realized how music could be a truly religious/spiritual experience. This is one piece of music that has really shaped me as an artist.

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