This December I'll be performing in Carnegie Hall in NYC. As a young pianist it's a big and humbling opportunity for me to touch the keys that so many virtuosos and masters of music have graced. As much as an honor it is, it's also a pretty shiny addition to a college resume, so that's nice. But i don't want to perform. I am representing my nation of Armenia as a finalist in this competition, and I was chosen to perform a very very odd piece. Like, a very odd piece. This is a sonata by Aram Khachaturian It's not beautiful. It's ugly, cacophonous, brutal and relentless. Worse yet, i have to represent a nation that is proud of its inner strength, composure-- and values the love of community and family over anything else-- with the dissonant squeals of a lonely but expressive crackhead. That said, I'm still happy to be up there. And for the third time too :)) My horn has been tooted. What's up with you?