Guestbook

Dear Angela, My husband and I seemingly moved heaven and earth to make it to your piano recital last evening in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. A cancelled business trip to Germany, a cancelled evening in Montreal with a delegation of doctors from around the world, last-minute scrambling to find tickets from your long-ago sold out concert, last-minute repairs to a suddenly ailing car, and -- finally -- we were seated in the beautiful Cornwall recital venue. Was all that chaos worth it? You bet it was! Despite the fact that I seldom attend live concerts -- too easily disappointed, I guess, or perhaps the far-away sound is no match for either my own Steinway (apologies to your Fazioli, but I also love my Steinway!) or to the immediate sound from first-rate CDs -- your recitals are the exception. I have, on more than last night's occasion, driven hours to hear you play live. You are so exceptional and so inspiring and so original that no distance is too great to travel to hear you play. I am sure your legions of fans feel likewise. Thank you for your Rameau of last evening! It introduced his music to me in such an incredibly fresh way, that I am eager now to learn more, especially about his wonderful ornamentation. Yours last evening was as phenomenal as it was ethereal and joy-filled. Had the concert begun and ended with the Rameau, I would have gone home happy. However, you proceeded to charm your packed-hall audience with so much more, including some well-warn warhorses (Beethoven's Sonata "Pathetique", Schumann's "Scenes from Childhood") which, in your hands, but more importantly under the influence of your rich, chameleon-like spirit, became new again. The music was not only reborn; it was transformed. It was heartwarming to visit briefly with your mother again -- what a sweet lady! -- as well as with yourself after the concert. Best wishes in your upcoming Bach World Tour (the new website looks wonderful!). We very much look forward to your next performance in Montreal next March. By the way, many musician friends here in Montreal and I are eagerly awaiting your new DVD on the performance of Bach. We can only imagine how valuable and enriching it will be. Fond good wishes, with thanks as always, Margaret Hofmann

Just wanted to pass along a story from years back. In the late 80's my soon to be wife and I lived in a remote northern town in Labrador, NL, Canada. Ms Hewitt was on tour and was to perform in our town. For months we eagerly awaited and anticipated the night. Unfortunately there was a massive snowstorm the day/night of the performance...so bad in fact that travel was trecherous and residents were advised to stay at home. Despite the weather and our common sense we ventured forth the on a six mile trip to the venue. We did eventually arrive after several tense moments along the way. On arrival we discovered we were part of a brave but quite miniscule audience. Angela strode on stage to perform and we both could sense her disappointment in the turnout. It was miniscule. But to her credit she approached the piano and gave us what I consider to be the performance of a lifetime. Never have I ever felt my chest being pounded with such notes or felt such energy. The pices were inspired. At one point I believe the piano began to groan and submit to her power. We now live in an Ontario city and have seen many events but none as special as that absolutely inspired performance on a cold and blustery winter's night. Thank you Angela.

Ms. Hewitt, I attended the 2pm concert you gave with the DSO on February 4, 2007. As I compose my college paper tonight for my Humanities class at Madonna University, on your performance, I find myself reliving the overwhelming joy I felt during your performance. I attended with my 8-year-old daughter in tow. We were both entranced with your presence, your elegance, the gracefulness in which you walk on the stage and when you play how you become one with the music. Thank you for an experience I will not forget. An experience of magic for myself and for my daughter, Elora. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. May unlimited blessings of joy fill your days!

Your concert at Bensheim was for me agreat highlight. You are one of my favorite pianist like pollini, brendel etc. I like also your Bach-Trancriptions.