This summer, I decided to embrace a concept that has often felt at odds with the disciplined life of a pianist: surrender. As a musician, I’ve spent years meticulously planning every detail of my career, ensuring that each note, each performance, aligns with my long-term goals. But this summer, something within me urged for a change. I chose to let go of rigid plans and instead allow life to guide me through its natural rhythms. The results were nothing short of magical, as I found myself part of two remarkable musical experiences that I could never have predicted.
A Different Approach
In previous years, my summers were tightly scheduled, with every hour accounted for, every opportunity planned well in advance. This approach certainly brought its rewards, but it also left me feeling confined, with little room for spontaneity or unexpected joy. This year, I wanted to try something different. Instead of filling my calendar, I deliberately left space—space for new opportunities, for chance encounters, for the unknown.
This wasn’t about being passive or unprepared. On the contrary, it was about being open, about trusting that by surrendering control, I could create space for the universe to surprise me with something I might not have dared to plan.
The Unexpected Collaboration
One of the first surprises of this new approach came in the form of a spontaneous collaboration. During a casual conversation, a lady suggested that my colleague, Valerian Ruminski, and I should perform a concert together. This idea seemed to come out of nowhere, but it immediately resonated with me. Valerian, a gifted opera singer and a dear friend, was equally excited by the prospect, and we quickly began to plan what would become a highlight of the summer.
Of course, as with many things in life, the plan didn’t unfold exactly as we had imagined. The original venue for our concert became unavailable, and we were forced to rethink our options. In the past, such a setback might have been a source of frustration, but this summer, I was committed to flowing with whatever came my way. We found a new venue, one that turned out to be even more suited to the intimate, magical atmosphere we wanted to create.
The concert, “An Enchanted Evening,” was a resounding success. The new location, the chemistry between Valerian and me, and the connection with the audience all came together to create a night that was as joyous as it was memorable. It was a powerful reminder that when we surrender to life’s twists and turns, we often find ourselves in exactly the right place at the right time.
The Invitation to “Ultrasound: The Symphony of the Plants”
As the summer continued, my openness to the unexpected led to yet another incredible opportunity. I was invited to participate in “Ultrasound: The Symphony of the Plants,” an innovative concert at Artpark in Lewiston, NY. This event was truly unique, blending plant-generated sounds with contemporary compositions to create a multisensory experience unlike anything I had ever been a part of.
This invitation came at a time when, had I filled my summer with other commitments, I might have had to decline. But because I had chosen to leave space for the unexpected, I was able to accept the offer and immerse myself fully in this one-of-a-kind project.
The experience was transformative. Working alongside other talented musicians and composers, including Brent Chancellor and Marcus Foster, we explored new ways of making music, blending the organic sounds of nature with our instruments. The performance was ethereal, creating a connection between the audience, the musicians, and the natural world that was deeply moving.
Reflecting on the Power of Surrender
Looking back on this summer, I am struck by how much richness and joy came from simply allowing myself to let go of control. By trusting the process and remaining open to what life had to offer, I found myself part of experiences that were far more fulfilling than anything I could have planned. This journey has reinforced my belief that sometimes the best way forward is to step back and let life take the lead.
Moving Forward with Openness
As I look toward the future, I plan to carry this lesson with me. While planning and preparation are still essential, I now see the value in leaving room for the unplanned, in trusting that the right opportunities will present themselves when I am ready to receive them. This summer has taught me that surrendering to the unknown is not about giving up control, but about embracing the flow of life and allowing it to guide me to places I might never have reached on my own.
About Antonella Di Giulio
Antonella Di Giulio is a pianist, music theorist, and founder of MusicaIQ, a platform dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration in the world of music. With a PhD in Music Theory and Historical Musicology, Antonella’s work bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary expression, exploring new ways to connect with audiences through the transformative power of music.