Christmas Special Edition -1

Dec 2024

LAZIE INDIE MAGAZINE

C H R I S T M A S S P E C I A L - 1

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4

GARY SCHMIDT

INTERVIEWS

JOHN KLINE

PHIL KANAKIS

RASA VITKAUSKAITE

PETER CATUCCI

STUDEO

REFESTRAMUS

To all Lazie Indie readers,

Let there be peace and love and spirit of Christmas all over the world !!!

This Christmas our contibuting columnist Lyia Meta took the initiative to interview a few

musicians who have released music on the festival.

These interviews talk about how much Christmas means to each of them and about their

music. I am really glad to present this edition as a suppliment to our November edition,

And thank Lyia for the effort . Hope you have a great time reading the interviews !!!

The credit for this special edition goes to Lyia Meta and Lazie Indie Magazine thanks her for

the effort. Wish you all a Merry Christmas!!!

Cheers !!!

Jay

Merry Christmas!!!

Editor’s

Note

Editor-in-Chief

Jay Pillai

Lazie Indie

Magazine

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The magazine is published by

Jay Pillai (Lazie J)

Christmas Special Issue -1

The month of publishing

December - 2024

Editorial Team

Founding Editor: Jay Pillai

Verified by:

Inge Zimmermann-Probst

Contributing Columnist:

Lyia Meta

Cover Photo Design:

Lyia Meta

CONTENT

INTERVIEWS

MAGAZINE INFORMATION

lazieindiemagazine.com

lazieindiemagazine@gmail.com

EDITORS COLUMN

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GARY SCHMIDT

JOHN KLINE

RASA VITKAUSKAITE

PETER CATUCCI

STUDEO

REFESTRAMUS

INTRODUCTION - LYIA META

PHIL KANNAKIS

Christmas has always held a special place in my heart. There’s a magic to this season that goes beyond

lights and decorations; it’s a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and, of course, listening

to the music that weaves its way into our most cherished memories. I’m one of those people who loves

Christmas music—from the timeless classics to fresh interpretations that capture both the joy and

bittersweetness of the holidays. The songs remind us of snowy evenings, warm family gatherings, and

moments of reflection.

As the holidays draw near, there’s something irresistibly nostalgic and heartwarming about those

Christmas tunes that have become part of our seasonal traditions. Who doesn’t feel a spark of warmth

when Johnny Mathis’s velvety voice sings “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” or Bing Crosby’s

timeless “White Christmas” fills the room? Brenda Lee’s playful “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”

brings cheer, while the humor of “The Chipmunk Song” reminds us that a little holiday whimsy goes a

long way. And for those quiet, reflective moments, Mahalia Jackson’s powerful gospel melodies provide a

reminder of the deeper meaning of the season. These songs are like ornaments on our holiday playlists,

each tied to memories that come alive every December.

In this special Christmas pullout, I’m thrilled to showcase a collection of both fresh and classic holiday

releases, highlighting a blend of new voices and timeless favorites that capture the many facets of the

season. From Rasa Vitkauskaite’s evocative compositions and Peter Catucci’s heartfelt music to Phil

Kanakis’s reinterpretation of a beloved classic and Gary Schmidt’s serene, wintry piano arrangements,

each artist brings something unique to the holiday soundscape. We also feature Studeo—a husband and

wife duo, Jeremy and Christine Stork—whose harmonies add a beautiful intimacy to their holiday music.

Alongside them, Refestramus’s unique stylings provide a more eclectic take on seasonal music, and John

Kline brings warmth, humor, and a deep respect for each individual’s journey, offering a thoughtful and

comforting perspective on holiday traditions.

These artists, both well-known and emerging, have infused their music with personal stories, humor,

and a touch of holiday magic, enriching the tapestry of seasonal music we love. Some of these releases

may be new to you, while others have been around for years, quietly carving their place in the holiday

canon. With each piece, we are reminded of the season’s joyful chaos, touching sentiments, and even

moments of laughter—all the elements that make Christmas both a celebration and a time for reflection.

So, as you explore this collection of Christmas releases and artist interviews, take a moment to savor both

the familiar classics and the new sounds that enrich the holiday experience. Whether you’re here for the

cozy nostalgia or ready to discover fresh holiday gems, this year’s lineup has something for everyone.

May this festive blend of music bring a little extra warmth to your holiday season and remind you, as

always, of the power of song to bring us together.

Thank you

Lyia Meta

Hello, Christmas! Here is a Festive Mix of Classics and New Holiday Joy

Note from Columnist Lyia Meta

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RASA VITKAUSKAITE

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Rasa Vitkauskaite

Bringing Personal Meaning to a Christmas Album

Interview by Lyia Meta

What inspires a world-class pianist to take on the challenge of creating a Christmas album? For

Rasa Vitkauskaite, it was more than just a holiday project - it was a personal journey, one that

merged her artistic brilliance with a deep-rooted connection to her family’s history and traditions.

Known for her soulful performances and praised as a “Beethoven interpreter of penetrating

insight,” Rasa has carved out a distinguished career as a soloist and the principal pianist of the

Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. Yet, with A Concert Piano Christmas at Boston Symphony Hall, she

steps into a new and intimate space, inviting listeners into a holiday experience shaped by both

virtuosity and heart.

We sat down with Rasa to delve into what sparked this festive endeavor. With warmth and

sincerity, she spoke about how the album not only showcases her love for the piano but also honors

her family’s resilience in the face of hardship. Rasa’s personal history intertwines with the music,

bringing depth to each reimagined Christmas classic while offering listeners a glimpse into the

traditions that have shaped her life, both on and off the stage. Please welcome Rasa Vitkauskaite to

Lazie Indie Magazine.

About Rasa

Multiple prize-winning Lithuanian pianist RASA VITKAUSKAITE has been hailed for “artistry of

poetic and observant sensitivity” (Gramophone) and dubbed as “a Beethoven interpreter of

penetrating insight” (Fanfare). A member of the prestigious Steinway Artist roster, Rasa is the long-

serving, critically acclaimed principal pianist of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra.

She has published many highly acclaimed solo concerto, recital, and chamber music recordings,

including her just released Mendelssohn Double Concerto in D Minor and Capriccio Brilliant with

Tchaikovsky gold medal violinist Ilya Kaler and conductor Jonathan Cohler. Her 2021 CD including

Mozart Concerto No. 20 in D Minor and Beethoven Concerto No. 3 in C Minor was praised as

comparable to Rudolf Serkin’s legendary recording with Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic.

Winner of the Grand Prix at the Mendelssohn Cup Piano Competition in Italy and a Kathryn

Wasserman Davis grant supporting a concert tour of Israel, Rasa has performed in more than 30

countries around the world. Recent seasons have included a solo recital on the acclaimed Dame

Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series in the Chicago Cultural Center broadcast live on WFMT radio

and hundreds of affiliated stations nationwide as well as collaborations with world renowned

artists such as violinist James Buswell, cellist Julia Bruskin, and clarinetist Jonathan Cohler, which

whom she recorded four lauded chamber music CDs. She is also the founder and pianist of Chamber

Music Boston.

LM: What inspired you to create a Christmas album?

RV: The idea for A Concert Piano Christmas at Boston Symphony Hall stemmed from a desire to

create a truly exceptional and memorable holiday recording. I wanted to present a program that

would be worthy of the iconic Boston Symphony Hall stage, showcasing the piano’s full potential in

a festive context. There didn’t seem to be many arrangements that rose to the level of a concert

pianist.That seemed odd, because the piano repertoire is the largest of all instruments. It is our hope

that this album will help fill the void of classical piano Christmas masterpieces.

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My husband was the driving force behind the project. When he first suggested recording a

Christmas piano solo album, I thought he was joking! However, he persisted, and we eventually

agreed to pursue it if we could find a selection of pieces that were both challenging and enjoyable

to play. I am delighted with the final result, as the album features an hour of exquisite music that

offers a unique and meaningful holiday experience.

LM: Which classic Christmas song was the most challenging to reinterpret, and why?

RV: Andre Gentile's arrangement of Sleigh Ride was a remarkable discovery, yet also a formidable

challenge. Originally conceived as a piano duet, the piece was transformed for a solo pianist,

significantly increasing its complexity. The arrangement's technical demands were substantial,

particularly in the left-hand part. Wide-ranging leaps, combined with the unconventional use of

three staves instead of two, presented a demanding task.

LM: How did you approach blending traditional holiday sounds with your own musical style?

RV: The album arrangements dictated their intended style, so I aimed to capture the unique

qualities of each. For Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, I focused on creating a symphonic sound and

crisp articulation, while Schubert/Liszt's Ave Maria required more attention to balance and

lyricism. To highlight the distinctive qualities of each style, I incorporated subtle nuances into my

performance. If the arrangement featured a jazz-inspired style, I played with slightly different

phrasing and rhythmic emphases to bring out its unique qualities.

The Bell Carol is arguably the most new age-sounding track, so I tried to avoid over-romanticizing

it and instead played it with a more straightforward sound and less classical inflection.

LM: What emotions or message do you hope listeners will take away from your Christmas

album?

RV: This album is a deeply personal tribute to my family, who endured a long and painful history

of Soviet persecution. My mother was born in exile in Siberia, a descendant of political deportees.

My father, meanwhile, bravely participated in the unarmed human shield that defended

Lithuania from the attempted Russian takeover in 1990, shortly after the country declared

independence.

The album is a celebration of hope and freedom, a testament to the resilience of my family and the

countless others who suffered under Soviet rule. During the occupation, celebrating Christmas

openly would have been a dangerous act, a stark reminder of the oppression we endured.

Through this album, I aim to honor my family’s legacy and share their story with the world,

inspiring others to cherish the freedoms we often take for granted.

LM: Which song from your Christmas album do you feel best captures the spirit of the season?

RV: While I may be biased, my favorite Christmas song is O Holy Night. I adore the way Kyle

Landry's Christmas Carol Medley builds to a triumphant, dramatic and celebratory climax with O

Holy Night as the centerpiece. It is an absolute joy to play.

LM: What makes your Christmas album stand out from the numerous holiday records out

there?

RV: While there are numerous Christmas tunes arranged for piano, many of them fall short of

highlighting the instrument’s unique capabilities. I was determined to find pieces that would truly

showcase the virtuosity and versatility of the concert piano.

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Through diligent research, I was fortunate to discover some remarkable arrangements that I featured on the

album, which perfectly capture the spirit of the season while demanding exceptional technical skill and

musicality.

LM: What’s your go-to Christmas movie and did it inspire any tracks on the album?

RV: Holiday films hold a special place in our childhood memories. Growing up in Lithuania, just as it was

gaining independence from the Soviet Union, television options were limited. Home Alone stands out in my

memory, not only for its classic status but also for its remarkable score by John Williams. While the film didn't

directly inspire the album, its nostalgic Christmas atmosphere and the joy it evoked undoubtedly influenced

the overall tone and spirit.

LM: Did you have any funny or memorable moments while recording the Christmas album?

RV: The album's creation unfolded during my first year of motherhood. Balancing the project's demands with

childcare was challenging at times. Having to practice the music for many hours to prepare for recording

sessions, my son grew up listening to Christmas music year-round. The album's collaborative nature was a

highlight. It wasn't a solitary endeavor; my entire family was involved, making it a truly special experience.

LM: Which classic Christmas song always puts you in the holiday spirit, and did it make it onto your

album?

RV: I find Jingle Bell Rock to be particularly festive, but it’s not quite the right fit for classical piano. I

appreciate its simplicity and joyful melody, and while a creative piano arrangement could be fun, I am also

perfectly content leaving it in its original form.

LM: Please tell our readers what next for you.

RV: I am in the process of recording the complete Beethoven Violin Sonatas with world-renowned violinist

Ilya Kaler. We have embarked on this monumental endeavor that will culminate in a multi-disc set.

Ilya is the violin professor at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and the only violinist in history to win three

gold medals at the world's most prestigious violin competitions, the Tchaikovsky, Sibelius and Paganini. His

extensive discography, spanning concertos, chamber music, and solo repertoire, have established him as one of

the greatest violinists of our time. I am privileged to contribute to his musical legacy, covering major violin

repertoire on record.

Rasa’s socials:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/rasapiano

Facebook: https://facebook.com/Raselita

YouTube: https://youtube.com/Rasapiano

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4WTx0IcyJBwJmrFglu2t2T

Website: https://rasapiano.com

Christmas album:

All links: https://album.link/rasa

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4VSApoPr5aULdnzy4xT7nJ

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0CN1NSKTP

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/1715936877

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PETER CATUCCI

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