Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Kang Wollett, Mikhail “Misha” Berestnev and Danny Goldman.
Grace, Danny, and Misha all started learning music on opposite ends of the planet. Mikhail “Misha” Berestnev began studying piano in the South of Russia at the age of five; Grace Kang Wollett started violin in South Korea, and Danny Goldman started clarinet in the USA. Danny and Grace met at The Juilliard School in New York City, and eventually both of them landed in The Dallas Opera. Grace is The Dallas Opera Orchestra’s new Assistant Concertmaster, and Danny has been touring throughout China doing solo recitals. After always returning to each other and playing quite a bit of chamber music (classical music written for small ensembles), Grace and Danny decided to recruit Misha onto their team. Many people had recommended him for his incredible, powerful playing and his vibrant personality. Misha had won many national and international piano competitions, and after studying in Moscow, he emigrated to the USA.
After the three of us met, the rest is history…we loved working together and formed the group officially under the name “MAKE” after our debut at The Basically Beethoven Festival last summer.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The three of us work very well together, and the friendship and vision we have for this group really fuel our work. Getting together can be a challenge at times because we have different rehearsal and performance schedules with different ensembles (The Dallas Opera and Texas Ballet Theater). It is a commitment we have to fight for, but the musical growth and level of performance you get from a group that always rehearses together is something really special.
I think any classical musician will admit that forging a path as a full-time classical musician is challenging, and we are fortunate to be where we are.
Please tell us about Make.
MAKE is an instrumental trio consisting of clarinet, violin, and piano. We focus on the classical repertoire but also feel comfortable dabbing into other genres like movie music, pop, and lounge music. Our biggest goal is to connect with our audiences and to make the performance and the concert experience approachable and comfortable. The idea is that when you arrive, we are making the music for you on the spot…hence “MAKE.”
We have a concept called The Classical Lounge, where the trio is in the center of the hall, and the audience sits all around. There is more to this unique experience, but you’ll just have to come and see for yourself!
For us, playing music in concert halls or for some close friends is something that is beyond just doing it as a business. To choose music and performing art in general as a profession is something that goes along with passion and love for it. Of course, we had to come up with a plan of how to create these shows and make a living. But, again, the feeling of performing live for our audiences is something we crave. The business is in place to make sure the budget, planning, marketing, and PR (among many other things) is done correctly…so that the music can stand on its own and be presented in the perfect venue at the highest quality.
We are known for the unique concert experience. The classical music is delivered in the most natural way possible in a special setting. Performances are often in 360-degree round seating and accompanied by mood lighting, lounge music sets between live sets, full bar, Virtual Reality (so you can watch how we rehearse), etc.
I think we are most proud of how simple we’ve been able to keep it. A great mentor of ours always said the music comes first, and we have stuck to it so far. Even if we are met with success or end up doing something that gets recognized, we always end up hunting for true musical expression…what the composers of this great music intended.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Another one of our mentors explained that no one owes us anything. So we can safely say that many if not most of our big opportunities have been incredibly lucky. Any venue or presenter that took a risk on us and gave us a chance, we are incredibly grateful for.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
We consider a “success” when a connection is made with the audience during one of our shows: when a desired idea or emotion from the performer is fully communicated and understood by the listener. When the audience can feel the breadth of emotions that we feel in the music through our sound, our technique, and interpretation; that’s when we know it was a good concert…a “success.” Of course, having sold out shows is what is needed on the business side, but we’ve been very lucky in the regard.
To be heard in front of any public at a specific time, on a specific date, and at a specific venue is a privilege. If this moment happens and there is at least one or two people in the audience, that is already wonderful: someone who wants to hear our “voice”. To have that voice that people want to hear is a success.
Most importantly, it`s the society that we want to be a part of and contribute to. That is why our audiences are the most important, and they are a group of people that we admire and respect.
Pricing:
- Most tickets start at $19
Contact Info:
- Website: whoisMAKE.com
- Email: info@whoisMAKE.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/whoisMAKE
Image Credit:
Lauren Bloom Photography
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