Dear Maestro Sakakeeny,


Thank you for your wonderfully illuminating and inspiring "Ode To Joy" performance at the Wells Fargo Center. I was incredibly moved by your method of bringing the audience together in full participation for the support, joy and success of the concert. It was a true feast for the senses and imagination, and truly brought the community together for a "triumph of the spirit"!

When you opened the evening by having us 'get related' so we could have a spirit of unity with which to enjoy the music, I was totally touched, moved and inspired - calling people to share where they came from and breaking down the usual walls people experience in formal concerts and daily life. Then when you shared that all the music was being performed by dedicated volunteers and made your "unreasonable request" that we contribute to its fruition and success, and the "possibility" of having a beautiful and inspiring concert, you further unified the musicians with the audience and made it a true community event. It was a truly moving and unifying experience. I said to my friends "I know where he is coming from..", and they shared that they were dedicated concert goers and had great respect for your commitment and dedication to freedom in the arts.

I also wanted to share that I was very moved by your choice of having a local German-American current composer's work as your first piece, aside the "great Beethoven". It showed a true dedication to emerging talent and faith in its greatness, plus to the community's receptivity and openness to new innovative genius.

MUSIC and movement integrate into the psyche like no other medium I know, and to have AWE as a new lens with which to experience the fear that arises in life, and to see that we have a choice in how we view this complex aspect of life, is entirely liberating.

Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 was also an extraordinary gift, with vocal and instrumental talent that was exceptional, and a true example of individual passion and community dedication.

So, thank you once again for bringing the principles of ontology into the concert and into your leadership with the American Philharmonic, and for reinforcing the power of creativity, innovation and freedom in the arts. Thank you also for making your bold request for grassroots community support for the Philharmonic, and for empowering the community to take ownership and leadership, if you will, for its on-going sustainability and future success. You reminded all of us about the need for creative and musical nourishment in our lives, and the need for community support of our local artistic greatness.

Sincerely, Krista Gruhl

ps.You inspired me to make your concerts and classic concerts a more regular part of my life. Yeh!