What draws you to early music? 

I love the sound of original instruments—so pure and somewhat ethereal. And I find the music resonates with me in a way that later classical music does not.  Though I love almost all styles and periods of music, Renaissance through late Baroque music is the most uplifting to me.

Who is your favorite composer?  

I love so many Baroque and Renaissance composers, but probably two of the highest on the list are Marin Marais, viola da gamba virtuoso and fabulous composer; and Georg Philip Telemann.  Their music moves me and I love to play it.

What are some of your proudest musical accomplishments?

Some of the highlights of my career that have given me great joy are winning the 5th International Competition for  Early Music Ensembles in Utrecht, Netherlands (now called the Van Wassenaar Competition) in 1991; being invited to teach with my mentor, Wieland Kuijken at the Brussels Conservatory, which I did from 1988-2002; and also performing with Wieland Kuijken and other great musicians in my 25 year stay in Europe. Playing in some of the great halls of Europe, including performing the St. Matthew Passion in Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, was also very special.

Who are some teachers or mentors whose guidance stayed with you over the years?

Though I am very connected to Wieland Kuijken and would consider him my mentor, I also had some very insightful moments in masterclasses with Jordi Savall. If I search further back in time, I was very inspired by some of the great teachers at Indiana University who would hold weekly open classes, such as Gyorgy Sebok, Janos Starker and Josef Gingold.  Even though I did not play their instruments, their teaching was at such a high level their observations and comments were often transformational—not just for the students playing!

What are you reading right now? 

‘Educated’ by Tara Westover—an absolutely amazing biography.  If you think you had a difficult childhood, read this book and think again!  It is also an eye-opening, and somewhat alarming, peek inside an American ‘counter culture’.

Do you have a favorite movie?

I love romantic comedies and an all-time favorite is ‘French Kiss’ with Kevin Kline playing a Frenchman. He has a very convincing, and adorable, French accent and also speaks some French in the movie—such a talented actor! It also stars Meg Ryan who is in ’When Harry met Sally’, another favorite of mine.

How do you relax on your days off?

Day off—what’s that?  It seems a musician’s work is never done.  When I’m not practicing, I’m catching up on e-mails, ABCs administration, packing for the next trip, or just trying to organize my office and home.  The good news is I love my work—playing, performing and teaching—so I don’t feel deprived or resentful.  I always make time for a daily walk or two, to play with my kitties, and to color. It is very relaxing and I love colors! I was recently given a French Baroque Coloring book (how perfect!) from my dear friend and frequent ABCs’ guest artist, Annalisa Pappano.

What draws you to chamber music?

The intimacy of creating art with another artist, the freedom and exchange of musical ideas and energy.

Who is your favorite composer?

Gustav Mahler

What are some of your proudest musical accomplishments?

Proud is not a word in my vocabulary. High points in my professional career include performing and touring with the New York Philharmonic, consisting of the famous musicians that I idolized growing up, with Pierre Boulez, conducting. My FIRE PINK TRIO has been a very happy marriage of three women sharing their passion of music. Presenting the world premiere of Dan Locklair’s Concerto for Harp and Orchestra and then flying to Vienna to record it with the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra. Having two ‘perfect’ performances…perfection is hard to come by!

Who are some teachers or mentors whose guidance stayed with you over the years?

My mother, harpist, Mary Bartlett….she still practices every day at age 103!
Carlos Salzedo and Alice Chalifoux who always encouraged me.
Susann McDonald who gave me new ideas and permission to stop taking lessons because I had the knowledge and capacity to be successful.

What are you reading right now?

ON TYRANNY by Timothy Snyder….every American should read this valuable little book!
PACHINKO by Min Jin Lee

Do you have a favorite movie?

Beauty and the Beast

What is one of your happiest moments? 

Paddling the Colorado River through the entire Grand Canyon, Lees Ferry to Lake Meade, hiking, exploring, sleeping under the stars every night for almost three weeks.

How do you relax on your days off?

Go for walks, practice my harp, do yoga, play tennis and cook.

Any final words?

Not finished yet so, no final words!

What draws you to the music of JS Bach?

Bach’s music has so many layers. It teaches me how to really listen. Every time I hear or perform is a totally different experience. I discover something new that I never noticed.

Who is your favorite composer?

That’s a hard question, because I love all kinds of music. Classical: Maurice Ravel. His music is so mysterious and enchanting. Mainstream: Patsy Cline! I love the brash honesty of her music and the relentless perseverance she showed during a time and in a music genre where women were not really thought of as powerful role models.

What are some of your proudest musical accomplishments?

As a graduate student at New England Conservatory, I won the Beneficent Society Scholarship and presented a concert in Jordan Hall. It was surreal and so exciting to stand on that beautiful stage and think of all the people that had come before me.

In addition to my life as a singer, I’m a music therapist.  Another proud musical moment was with an Alzheimer’s client, whose disease was rapidly progressing. For several months she had not responded to any sessions, then one morning when her daughter was visiting as I came into her room, she looked up at me with the biggest smile and sang, “Hello, Dr. Brittnee!” Up until that moment, she hadn’t remembered my name or her daughter’s in months. Music is just awesome in that way!

Who are some teachers or mentors whose guidance stayed with you over the years?

There are so many mentors who have helped me that it is difficult to name only a couple.  My 1st and 4th grade teacher, Miss Moffitt, read Shel Silverstein’s “Where the Sidewalk Ends.”  She would let us make up tunes to go with his, words which helped us memorize the poetry so quickly!   My amazing 8th grade English and Drama teacher, Shirley Rossitto, taught not only her crafts in the classroom and on the stage, but also what it meant to have a strong work ethic and the commitment to accomplish anything.  She was tough as nails, but very devoted to her students, and I’m thankful every day for the skills I learned from her.

What are you reading right now?

I am reading a gardening book – specifically, compost and rain barrel stuff.  My husband just finished some new garden boxes and I can’t wait to start my spring planting.

Do you have a favorite movie?

Anything from Alfred Hitchcock.  It doesn’t get much better than Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly.

What is one of your happiest moments?

One of my happiest moments was the yearly beach vacation with my parents.  We always had so much fun and there’s nothing quite as wonderful as the beautiful ocean and Gulf Coast seafood.  You don’t get that in Ohio where I’m from!

How do you relax on your days off?

When I have time off I love to cook for friends and family.  Also, I keep ten backyard hens so the eggs are fabulous and my girls are always doing crazy chicken things!