A special musician will take the stage
at Bargemusic this weekend.
Violinist Olga Bloom founded the floating chamber music venue
26 years ago, after retiring as a full-time musician who played
in opera houses, as well as on Broadway and recordings. Nowadays
she takes her violin out of its case if she’s practicing, which
she does regularly.
"It keeps me from going insane," Bloom told GO Brooklyn.
For those who have come to love Bargemusic, Bloom is this weekend’s
headliner.
During the four concerts, Bloom will perform one of the works
on the program, a Vivaldi concerto, alongside Bargemusic artistic
director and violinist Mark Peskanov and other musicians.
"Mark thought it would be nice if I sat in with the younger
kids," the 85-year-old Bloom said with a laugh. "I’m
just making general noise – but joyful, I hope."
Peskanov demurs.
"It’s a rare treat to play with Olga," he said. "She’s
one of the most dedicated musicians, arriving [at the barge]
by 7 am and putting in hours of practicing. She has incredible
love for music, and she also has a great mind: those two go a
long way. I would love to hide somewhere on the barge and hear
her when she’s in her own groove. She has something to say that’s
very special."
For her part, Bloom says, "I’ll tell you the truth: once
you’ve experienced the rewards of this discipline, you don’t
let it go. To play onstage is always a joy."
Bargemusic, which presents concerti by Vivaldi, Bach, Haydn,
Mozart Tchaikovsky and Sarasate July 29-31 at 7:30 pm, and Aug.
1 at 2 pm, is located at Fulton Ferry Landing at the end of Old
Fulton Street on the East River. Tickets are $35, $20 for full-time
students. For more information, visit www.bargemusic.org
or call (718) 624-2083.
