So two days ago, I was playing in the subway station for the first time.
Dale Henderson organized the whole thing. He's the cellist who played in subways all the time and one, if not the only one I know to not accept any donation/offering to him as he plays. His facebook page "Bach in the Subway" is well-known by many straphangers of the city.
So for the past March 21st, we played in different subway stations. First time for me, 2nd time for some others. I had cards mailed to me by Dale to distribute for a charity concert on Sunday, which I would unlikely attend due to other engagement.
I chose the spot in the Bronx, partly because it is also the target of my other ministry, and because many others have chosen Manhattan as their spots. Too bad Dale didn't respond to my request for having a "chamber" together. Well, I'm not professionals like them, that's for sure.
As expected by Dale, WSJ (Wall Street Journal) reporter came...and it would appear that they were waiting for me, unless we arrived at the same time coincidentally. I somewhat expected them because I was very positive about it when Dale asked to let him know if anyone didn't want the reporter to bother them as Dale has contact with Bruce the reporter. He had a camera-woman, Danielle, who took pictures, audio recording and possibly videos of me playing...I was there from about 8:30-9:30am. And they stayed with me the whole time. I asked...to confirm if it would go to the news...Bruce assured me that it will appear on the Online(too bad no photos of me posted-as any good journalism habit: always take as much photos and recordings, edit them out later, even if it has to be all of them) news on Friday. I also found out yesterday that it would be on the prints as well. I shall buy it just to satisfy my curiosity.
I played cycles of Jesu Joy of Men's Desire, Bourree from Cello Suite no.3 and Largo from double violin concerto in D minor (2nd movement). Nadia said I played doing God's work...I could imagine how with the Jesu piece, but as for the others, they are a bit too abstract for me to relate that, though Bach always ended his composition with S.D.G. (Soli deo Gloria - Glory be only to God), I remarked to my dear.
I made quite a few blunders, I should have practiced more.
Some stopped, one gave $1. Of course, I don't expect much since I did put a sign saying "No Donation please" ..."Just take a card". A black youth guy was clapping with much appreciation on his face. A woman shared with me how it reminded of her violin skilled father.
I'd been looking for a chance like this, but I supposed I had been coward and lazy, which made me feel a little guilty everytime when Christmas approaches. I had wanted to do the same kind of thing as Dale, playing without accepting donation. To me, it would be an approach of the Gospel. This is, I supposed, a beginning spark.
Update: Video available now
(My violin teacher would kill me with that kind of intonation)