I am extremely grateful to Dr. Carlsen and Carlsen Cello Foundation for the loan of a cello that I used while at CIM. I had previously been playing on the same cello that I bought when I was 13, and while it worked fine, it was no match for the learning experience I had from playing the very capable instrument on loan from the Foundation. Because of the loan, I was able to experience great excitement and joy from producing sounds that had previously been out of my ability to access.” – Joshua Roman, Concert artist and former Principal cellist, Seattle Symphony
I feel like there’s some kind of symbiosis that occurs in really great performers between their instrument and their brain or soul or whatever else you want to call it. That is, their ideas and concepts of the music have a direct pathway to flow from, i.e. their instrument, hands, fingers, and so on. It can be difficult to achieve that on an inferior instrument because the instrument will often work against you, which limits the fluidity of your playing and expression. When a better instrument comes along, like the Roth cello, many of the technical problems that I had on my own cello (such as smooth bow changes, even sound throughout various registers, etc.) went away – it’s now much easier to convey what I really want to convey to audiences because the cello does exactly what I want it to do.”
– Jay Campbell
The cello from the foundation is wonderful – I keep noticing great new nuances about it through each practice session; I love it more and more every day. Besides producing a full and rich tone, this cello is much more playable than my old instrument. Practicing has ceased to be a frustrating struggle – now it is a joy and an open invitation for me to explore the ranges of the instrument, and to challenge myself. Thank you so much for providing me with this instrument. It has been such a blessing in my life! “–Emma Childs
I would like to thank you for helping me gain a connection with Classical Music by lending me a cello. You have made it possible for me to spread my joy of music to other people around me.” – Dong Hon Yi
Thank you again, Dr. Carlsen, for the wonderful gift you gave to me during my school age years when I could not afford to buy a cello. Coming from 1 of 7 string players in a very musical family, it sure helped my Mom to be able to have a secure instrument to play on for so many years. Your cello soloed in symphony orchestras and played festively in corner city cafes. I don’t know what I would have done without it… I sure do miss that cello!!
– Julia Jurkiewicz“My journey with Carlsen cello and the foundation changed who I am.And I am and always will be grateful to have such a wonderful instrument and support from you and the foundation.” – Susan An