About
I tell stories. That's what I do. It might be a novel, a collection of poems, a musical composition, or a tree photograph. What matters to me is whether it's a good story that must be told. I am a late bloomer. I published my first book when I was 68. Before that I was a concert pianist and filmmaker. I was born in Czechoslovakia, where I was considered a Jew, fled the Russians to Israel where they said I was a Czech. Later in Canada I was considered an Israeli, and now in the States I am (what else?) a Canadian. Always one step behind. The only consistent aspects of my life is a lack of consistency. It comes with the territory when you follow your curiosity wherever it takes you. For instance, I am the only concert pianist with a BA in Islamic studies who also was a stand-up comedian for a while. In 1989 I attended my own "memorial service", my last performance before I retired from the stage.
Over my long and unfocused career I have produced 15 books of fiction, poetry, and photography, 14 art videos, an opera, an oratorio, a requiem, 4 concertos, 3 symphonies, and a single daughter. Except for the daughter the only work I care about is my next book. A highlight in my musical career was in 2011 when my ballet “Three Dubious Memories” was premiered in New York City by the Paul Taylor Dance Company choreographed by my late friend Paul.
I live in Colrain, Massachusetts with my love, the artist Linda-Baker Cimini.
Over my long and unfocused career I have produced 15 books of fiction, poetry, and photography, 14 art videos, an opera, an oratorio, a requiem, 4 concertos, 3 symphonies, and a single daughter. Except for the daughter the only work I care about is my next book. A highlight in my musical career was in 2011 when my ballet “Three Dubious Memories” was premiered in New York City by the Paul Taylor Dance Company choreographed by my late friend Paul.
I live in Colrain, Massachusetts with my love, the artist Linda-Baker Cimini.