Harvard Virtual Reunion

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In a non-Covid world, I would have had the amazing privilege of conducting the renowned Boston Pops Orchestra last weekend as part of my Harvard Class of 1995’s 25th Reunion; and my illustrious classmates Elisabeth Remy Johnson (harp) and Trey Lee (cello) would have joined me on stage for this traditional “Harvard Night at the Pops.”

When our class had to move to a virtual reunion, we retained the idea of closing the week with a concert, and this video of the “White Swan” scene from Act II of Swan Lake was conceived as a way to recreate the event at Symphony Hall that never was. I know the video is an unusual hybrid of instrumental performances, me conducting a virtual orchestra, and montage techniques; but it was made with a great deal of love, and I hope you enjoy it.

While it was of course disappointing not to be able to reconnect with classmates in the flesh, I feel blessed to have been able to connect with them in a different way, and to make music with Elisabeth and Trey from afar.

#harvard1995 #WeAreHarvard @harvardalumni

David Chanswan lake, white swan, boston pops, Harvard class of 1995, #harvard1995, @harvardalumni, Harvard night at the pops