Another one of my childhood dreams just came true.  When I was about 12, at the very end of the Cold War, back in Russia, I saw a music video.  It was "If the Russians Loved their Children Too".  It had been copied from one VHS tape to another numerously, so by the time I got my hands on it, the quality was pretty horrific.  Nevertheless I fell in love with the song and with Sting's music.  I barely spoke any English at the time, but I was determined to learn and find out what the song was all about.  Then came out "Mad About You" and became my all-time favorite.  Ever since then, Sting has been one of the biggest musical inspirations of my life. 

A month or so ago I got a call from the Chicago Symphony asking me to come and perform for their annual major fundraising function.  I marked my calendar and practiced my pieces.  It was only when I got to the symphony hall for the event that I found out that I would be opening for Sting!!!