Symphony in Blue

By Shira Anthony

A Blue Notes Novella

Are you a fan of the Blue Notes series? Would you like to know where the couples from the first four books are now? This is your chance to catch up! Aiden and Sam are finally getting married. But when Cary and Antonio’s baby daughter makes her appearance a bit earlier than planned, the big reception is put on hold. David Somers normally conducts orchestras, but this time he devotes his energy to “conducting” his friends so that everyone can join him at his Milan villa for a reunion at an intimate Thanksgiving dinner.

Sam and Aiden, Jules and Jason, David and Alex, and Cary and Antonio are soon assembled, and each couple shares something they are thankful for. Played out in four movements, this symphony is a celebration of friendship and love, orchestrated by David.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
• Release date: Dec 25, 2013
• ISBN: 9781627983945

Book preview

To my wonderful Blue Notes readers. Thank you for letting me continue to share my love of music and the music of love!

Special thanks to EM, Venona, and Cody

for their help with this story.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

For my dearest sister Rachel. The day you came into my life, I had no idea you would come to inhabit my heart so completely. For Cary and Aiden. While you often thank me for nurturing your careers, it is I who must thank you for the gift of your music. The world is richer for your talent and your musical voices. For my old friends Jason and Antonio. What a marvelous journey this has been. I’m so grateful that you supported me in grief and in joy. For John and Roger, longtime mentors and now dear friends. I thank you both for taking me in hand, brooking no dissent, and forcing me to confront my demons. My music would have withered but for your nurture and care. For Alex. In you the music of my soul has found its muse and inspiration. I am nothing without you by my side. Nothing without you in my heart. —David Somers

David Somers composed Symphony in Blue in 2013 as a tribute to the people who continue to inspire his musical soul. Each has his or her unique melody, and in turn, each movement its own inimitable voice. As with his earlier works, Symphony in Blue blends a modern sensibility with a romantic soul.

When David asked me to produce this album, I hesitated, not out of lack of enthusiasm for the project but because I feared I would not be able to do his vision justice. David, however, has an uncanny knack for assessing the abilities of those whom he mentors and never giving them more than they can manage. With his patient assistance and keen understanding of the demands of the music and the needs of the musicians, I am confident that this recording is worthy of his musical expression.

Symphony in Blue may well be David’s master oeuvre, for it is so perfectly tailored to each musician’s abilities and strengths. In this music, David Somers has truly captured the essence of what it means to speak from the heart. —Jason Greene

PERFORMERS:

Cary Redding, cellist, has been described by the Chicago Tribune as a beautifully energetic modern player with a classicist’s soul. Cary made his Chicago Symphony debut at the age of fourteen under the baton of Maestro John Fuchs. Cary recently won a Grammy for his recording of the Brahms Double Concerto in A Minor, recorded with violinist Alex Bishop and conducted by David Somers. Cary lives in Milan with his partner, Antonio Bianchi, an entertainment lawyer, and their son, Massimo.

Aiden Lind, operatic baritone, is known for roles such as Scarpia in Puccini’s Tosca, the title role in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and Renato in Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera, among others. Recent performances in London, Milan, Rome, San Francisco, and Chicago have been met with critical praise. Mr. Lind makes his home in Philadelphia with his partner and fiancé, attorney Sam Ryan.

David Somers, conductor, currently serves as music director of the Chicago Symphony. Maestro Somers recently conducted a recording of Mozart’s Don Giovanni featuring baritone Aiden Lind. A tireless advocate of new music, Maestro Somers has composed nearly a dozen pieces for orchestra, including the Grammy Award-winning violin concerto Tattoos, which he recorded with longtime partner Alex Bishop.

Jules Bardon, violinist, has received critical acclaim for his jazz compositions. His jazz trio, Blue Notes, has issued several recordings on the Summer Nights label. Blue Notes recently made its first appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival and is scheduled to appear at the Monterey Jazz Festival this fall. Jules makes his home in Paris, France, where he lives with his partner, Jason Greene, Blue Notes’ manager.

Alex Bishop, violinist, made his solo debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at age nineteen under the baton of former Chicago Symphony music director John Fuchs. A versatile performer, Alex has recorded classical, jazz, and rock albums, of which five have been nominated for Grammy Awards in all three genres. Alex’s performing and recording schedule keeps him on the road most of the year, but he always makes time for weekends with his partner, David Somers, in Chicago, or holidays at their Italian retreat.

Jason Greene, producer, is a former trial lawyer who traded the practice of law for a supporting role as manager of the acclaimed jazz trio Blue Notes. Trained as a classical pianist, Jason studied at the Conservatoire de Grenoble. Although he prefers to remain behind the scenes and leave the difficult business of performing to other musicians, he can often be found with his fingers on the keyboard, accompanying friends in impromptu musical soirees. Jason met David Somers when they roomed together in college at the University of Michigan, and counts David among his closest friends. Jason and his partner, jazz composer and violinist Jules Bardon, reside in Paris.

First Movement:

A Moveable Feast

Italy

Thanksgiving

COLORFUL DISHES and hand-blown goblets in various colors, each a unique and perfectly imperfect find from a local flea market, filled the long, rough-hewn farm table. The requisite turkey warmed in the oven, along with a bevy of root vegetables and traditional Italian pastas. Willow baskets overflowed with an array of breads, some from a local panetteria, others they’d baked themselves under Jules’s careful watch. Small candles burned a warm orange with the fading sunlight, and flowers scattered around the plates echoed their vibrant hues.

David Somers stood and raised his glass, admiring the table and taking in the heady aroma of the food. It was beautiful, more so because he’d managed to pull off the change of plans without a hitch. Not that there hadn’t been a few near misses along

Reviews for Symphony in Blue

[carol420 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Perhaps one of...if not THE best of the entire series. All the couples in one place...everyone happy and having something to celebrate as well as be thankful for. It’s a very quick read. More of a novella than an actually novel...but so good that it can and most likely will be read in one setting. There has been talk of there may be yet another in the series with Guy’s story...the brother of one of the characters. The setting for the story is perfect...Thanksgiving. I can't think of a better time of year to let the people closest to you know how much they have impacted your life and how much you appreciate them doing so. This is a very special literary gift. Thank you Shira Anthony.