The Contour of Luxury: Fantastical Holiday Gifts Fall/Winter 2020 | Page 230

You seem to be innately drawn to luxury in various capacities . Do you feel music plays a role in the luxurious realm of art and lifestyle , and if so , in what way ?
Music is very powerful in that it is fluid in its perception . It can be earthy and majestic , sublime and irreverent . This is what gives it the power to be part of the soundtrack of our lives . Music can enhance our experiences because of its associative powers as well – a song can recall a memory or an emotion just like the smell of your favorite childhood dish can take you back there . I think music has a dual role in terms of luxury and lifestyle : it is an art that can elevate an experience , and can underscore a lifestyle .
When performing for gatherings of societies in opulent places , what are the contributing factors in choosing the appropriate music to entertain your audience ?
The type of event can give some guidance on what music to utilize , but I find that monitoring the energy of the guests at the event helps to choose the right material . An elegant dinner party might be conducive to light jazz instrumental ballads , but a cocktail party with flowing conversation can allow for more uptempo selections and some light vocals . My main objective in providing entertainment for these events is to create and cultivate the appropriate atmosphere , so when it comes to selecting music , I “ play it by ear ” rather than designing a strict set list in advance . My clients trust me to know what repertoire will work , and they appreciate the warm and welcoming environment that I create .