Dear Angela,
Sunday a friend and I attended your wonderful performance at Montreal's Pollack Hall, especially for which I had driven back from some grandmotherly babysitting duties in Peterborough, Ontario! You provided a treat that made every minute of the trip worthwhile.
Although we managed a quick word afterwards, I did not tell you about the young man who sat next to me during your recital. He was a final year piano performance student at McGill who sat bolt upright throughout, obviously fully involved in your playing. During the intermission he confided that he had never much cared for Mendelssohn. However, your performance of his Prelude and Fugue in E minor and his Variations in D minor had totally revolutionized his thinking, and he couldn't wait to investigate further. In answer to another gentleman's query as to whether he was now feeling discouraged after hearing you play, or did he perhaps feel inspired, the student replied, "A little of both. But I can't wait to rush out now to practice, practice, practice. But that's great! Surely that is how it should be!"
Angela, you inspired that young man who is looking ahead to a possible career in music, just as you inspire all who are fortunate enough to hear you play.
Godspeed with the rest of your musical journey, and thank you once again for your magical gifts.
Keep well.
-- Margaret Hofmann