October 22, 2009
Meet Kristina Reiko Cooper — musician and mom!
My girls love music, so we listen to a lot of nursery rhymes and high-energy singy-song kids music. After an entire day of that music I am ready for something a little more, well….something that isn't being sung by a cartoon character and isn't asking me to clap my hands or dance like a bug!
I tend to like all types of music but, when I'm working or wanting to relax, I'll choose an instrumental CD every time! And right now, I'm listening to Kristina Reiko Cooper's new CD, Stone and Steel!!!
Stone and Steel is a beautiful combination of the ancient and the modern as Kristina puts a fresh spin on some old classics — Gregorian chants, songs from composer John Dowland, and Dido's Lament.
I absolutely love the combination of cello, piano, and percussion. The music is relaxing yet inspiring. And, the woman behind the music is even more inspiring!
Kristina Reiko Cooper is not only a renowned musician, frequently performing at such venues as Carnegie Hall, Jerusalem's Henry Crown Hall, Toronto's Roy Thompson Hall and Kioi Hall of Tokyo, but she's also a new mom!!!
Kristina received her bachelors and masters degrees in music and her doctorate of musical arts from Juilliard and now tours the world with her music. But her cello isn't the only thing she's bringing with her on those tours. Kristina also takes her one year old son with her as she tours.
Taking my girls to my parents' house 3 hours away is enough work for me…I couldn't image a world-wide tour! So, I'm going right to the source and finding out how Kristina manages to juggle being a professional musician, a world-wide tour, and being a mom…while still looking so gorgeous!
Who are your musical inspirations?
I have been very lucky to have many wonderful people in my life, —-who have fostered in me, a great love of music—for what I do. First and foremost, my parents. My mother is a wonderful violinist, and my father is a beautiful pianist. I grew up surrounded by great music. My father used to wake me up every morning, when we lived in Paris for a year, with the Bach 4th Partita! It used to annoy me no end as I did not necessarily want to wake up at that moment, but oh–what glorious music, and it was so beautifully played.
I was also extremely fortunate to have studied for 6 years in a row, at The Juilliard School, with Robert Mann, the first violinist of the Juilliard String Quartet for 50 years. He is not only one of the most amazing musicians in the world, and an intellectual thinker on an extremely high level, but he is so "alive"! Every moment of his life is infused with curiosity and and zest for life. He would make every moment of music making for me, tangible, visceral and magical, and perhaps most importantly, immediate. I hope to one day, imbue my existence with even a modicum of his passion.What has been the biggest obstacle to overcome having your baby on tour with you?
Logistics, pure and simple. Traveling with a cello (which has its own seat on a plane), a baby, a nanny, a stroller, car seat, diaper bag, baby bottles and food, diapers,toys, breast pumps, etc. — is a NIGHTMARE!!!!! So many plane tickets — multiple hotel rooms, ordering of cribs, bottle sterilizers, vaccinations!!! Wow! People actually laugh at us in the airport when we come by. In the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, France, they don't let you take a stroller past check-in. Imagine that!
My husband, my nanny and I have ALL thrown our backs out in the last couple of months. Imagine why!!! Our plane was 8 hours late the other day, which meant that we had to spend the night in the Denver airport, after having flown the night before from Israel. After all of that, I had to go straight from the airport to the stage for a sound check — NOT fun.
That being said, there is nothing more amazing than coming home (well, back to your hotel) after a concert, and seeing that beautiful, incredible face, peeking out from under the covers — and smelling that magical little creature that you still can not believe is your baby.
Oh, did I mention dealing with a baby with jet-lag???What are your secrets for making it all work — performing, recording, and being a mom?
I am not so sure that I have any secret at all — I am a major stress-ball a good part of the time. Just ask my husband. However, I am incredibly fortunate to have a very supportive spouse — that means everything. Our nanny, Dina, is also a wonderful girl that loves Zack very much, and what I do would not be possible without her. Also, I never let it enter my mind, that I would become something or someone that I am not, just because I became a Mom. I am a cellist — a musician and artist, and always have been. Now I happen to be a cellist/musician/artist/incredibly blessed Mom.
Also, I don't sleep anymore!!!
Stone and Steel is an amazing CD and I know you are all going to love it! Everything about the CD is beautiful, from the music to the disc art itself. Stones and Steel is currently available at Amazon and on iTunes. Also, check out Kristina's website to see if she'll be coming your way on her tour. I'm excited that she will be in my area this February!!!
We are excited to be giving away FIVE copies of Kristina Reiko Cooper's Stones and Steel here at 5 Minutes for Giveaways. Trust me, you want to win this CD! To enter simply leave a comment on this post by Friday, November 6th. The FIVE winners will be announced on Saturday, November 7th.
As always, don't forget to earn more entries: subscribe to our Feed, sign up for our 5M4M Newsletter, add our 5M4Giveaways button in your sidebar, write a post and link back to this contest on your blog, and spread the word via Facebook, Twitter, or email! Please see our site's Terms and Conditions of Use for a complete list of our contest and giveaway rules.
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian addresses!
Written by 5 Minutes for Mom Contributing Editor: Stacey Lynn
Filed under Blog, Canadian Contests, Gift Ideas, Giveaway, Music, Product Review, Shopping by Stacey
181 Comments on Meet Kristina Reiko Cooper — musician and mom! »
#1 - Tracy @ 2:22 am
Wow, she sounds incredible. I love music, and my daughters are learning to play the violin. We would love to win one of her CD's.
#2 - Tracy @ 2:22 am
I also subscribe to your feed.
#3 - Cecily @ 2:29 am
I love the cello, and I've played violin since I was 11. I would sooo love to win this cd. She IS so phenomenal.
#4 - Cecily @ 2:29 am
I also subscribe to your feed!
#5 - Susan @ 6:04 am
This sounds wonderful, please enter me!
#6 - Susan @ 6:04 am
And, I sobscribe via Google Reader - thank you!
#7 - Rachel @ 7:15 am
This sounds like something I'd really like!
#8 - Rachel @ 7:16 am
I'm a subscriber!
#9 - Kate @ 7:52 am
Thanks for the giveaway, hope to win this lovely cd.
#10 - Kate @ 7:52 am
I subscribe via Google Reader.
#11 - Kate @ 7:53 am
I'm signed up for the newsletter.
#12 - Chrissy @ 9:21 am
I am always looking for great new music. This sounds so relaxing on those "Calgon, take me away" type days!
#13 - Chrissy @ 9:22 am
I am a subscriber.
#14 - Raine @ 10:11 am
WOW! Now that's a super mom
I'm always looking for new music. I would love to win. Thanks.
#15 - Raine @ 10:11 am
I subscribe via google reader.
#16 - Jen @ Happy Little Homemaker @ 10:22 am
This sounds fabulous! Thanks.
#17 - Jen @ Happy Little Homemaker @ 10:23 am
I subscribe via RSS, too.
#18 - Stephanie @ 10:47 am
This sounds like a great CD to listen to with my little guy.
#19 - Chandy @ 10:50 am
Sounds like a great CD!
#20 - Chandy @ 10:51 am
I also subscribe to the feed
#21 - Hillary (aka Mrs. Einstein) @ 12:01 pm
I'd love to win a copy!
#22 - Hillary (aka Mrs. Einstein) @ 12:01 pm
I'm a feed subscriber.
#23 - Jenette @ 1:48 pm
She sounds wonderful. I would love to hear her music, please enter me!
#24 - The Gang's Momma @ 1:55 pm
I love cello music! Count me in. . .
#25 - The Gang's Momma @ 1:55 pm
I subscribe to the newsletter
#26 - The Gang's Momma @ 1:55 pm
I have you on my Google Reader
#27 - The Gang's Momma @ 1:56 pm
Your button is on my sidebar
#28 - Deedee @ 3:18 pm
She sounds great! I'd love to win this!
#29 - Deedee @ 3:18 pm
rss subscriber!
#30 - Jackie@Our Moments Our Memories @ 3:49 pm
This sounds wonderful - I love the cello. Thanks so much!
#31 - Jackie@Our Moments Our Memories @ 3:53 pm
I'm a subscriber…
#32 - Stacy @ 6:06 pm
Sounds like a beautiful CD!
#33 - Sarah Osborne @ 6:09 pm
Her CD seems wonderfully relaxing
#34 - Sarah Osborne @ 6:10 pm
I subscribe to your feed!
#35 - Sarah Osborne @ 6:10 pm
I receive your newsletter!
#36 - Sarah Osborne @ 6:10 pm
I have your button!
myfavoritegiveaways.blogspot.com
#37 - Sarah Osborne @ 6:11 pm
I blogged!
http://myfavoritegiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/10/kristina-reiko-cd.html
#38 - Clenna in NH @ 7:26 pm
I would LOVE to win one of these CDs.
clenna at aol dot com
#39 - Clenna in NH @ 7:26 pm
I subscribe to your feed.
clenna at aol dot com
#40 - Clenna in NH @ 7:27 pm
I subscribe to your 5M4M newsletter
clenna at aol dot com
#41 - Jessica T @ 8:04 pm
Cool! Count me in!
#42 - Jessica T @ 8:04 pm
Newsletter subscriber
#43 - Jessica T @ 8:04 pm
Feed subscriber
#44 - Jenn Jones @ 8:14 pm
Sounds like music to my ears!!! Thanks!
#45 - Jenn Jones @ 8:15 pm
I subscribe by email!
#46 - Krista @ 9:38 pm
I could definitely use relaxing right about now…
#47 - Krista @ 9:39 pm
I get the email
#48 - Krista @ 9:40 pm
I'm a subscriber
#49 - Krista @ 9:40 pm
I have the button on my blog.
#50 - Carole @ 9:57 pm
Sounds like beautiful music! And she's a beautiful woman too!
#51 - Carole @ 9:58 pm
subscriber to feed
#52 - Neas Nuttiness @ 10:59 pm
I would love to win this…I have several kids who are cellists!
Thanks
#53 - Neas Nuttiness @ 10:59 pm
I subscribe via email - thank you.
#54 - Neas Nuttiness @ 10:59 pm
I'm a follower - thanks!
#55 - Linda Kish @ 11:01 pm
Count me in please.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
#56 - Linda Kish @ 11:02 pm
subscriber
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
#57 - Dorian L Valles @ 11:42 pm
I would love to win one of Kristina's Cd's. I am always looking for new music to skate to…her talent is amazing!
#58 - Rebecca Orr @ 12:22 am
I love cello music! I used to play the violin, so I heard it all the time growing up, but have not had the luxuries lately with kids and all that…so this would a VERY nice change! Thanks so much for the chance! bekki1820cb@gmail.com
#59 - Rebecca Orr @ 12:22 am
feed subscriber
bekki1820cb@gmail.com
#60 - Rebecca Orr @ 12:23 am
newsletter subscriber using bekki1820cb@yahoo.com
#61 - Rebecca Orr @ 12:25 am
tweet: http://twitter.com/bekki1820cb/status/5090166556
bekki1820cb@gmail.com
#62 - etirv @ 1:58 am
I would like to be entered!
#63 - etirv @ 1:58 am
Google reader subscriber!
#64 - etirv @ 1:59 am
Email subscriber!
#65 - Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family @ 2:26 am
She's lovely, and the CD sounds intriguing!
#66 - Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family @ 2:27 am
I'm a newsletter subscriber.
#67 - Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family @ 2:27 am
And I'm an email subscriber to this site.
#68 - Staci A @ 8:44 am
She sounds like an incredible mom and musician. I'm not sure I could ever juggle that much, but she has such a great attitude about it all!
#69 - Staci A @ 8:45 am
I subscribe to your feed.
#70 - Staci A @ 8:45 am
And I get your newsletter. Thanks!
#71 - Angel S. @ 7:09 pm
This sounds like it would be so wonderful!! My kind of music!
#72 - Angel S. @ 7:09 pm
I subscribe
#73 - Rebecca @ 10:24 pm
I would love to win her CD.
#74 - Rebecca @ 10:24 pm
I am a newsletter subscriber.
#75 - sue Thompson @ 10:43 pm
LOVE her music! So peaceful! Hope I win!!!
Thanks for the chance
Sue
marklovessue@numail.org
#76 - sue Thompson @ 10:43 pm
I subscribe
Sue
marklovessue@numail.org
#77 - sue Thompson @ 10:44 pm
Google subscriber also
Sue
marklovessue@numail.org
#78 - Blessed @ 11:10 pm
I love to have a variety of music in the house - this CD sounds like it would be an awesome addition to my collection!
#79 - susan varney @ 8:20 am
love to take a bath with a glass of wine and unwind to this cd
mverno@roadrunner.com
#80 - Mommy Daisy @ 8:49 am
This would be lovely.
#81 - Mommy Daisy @ 8:50 am
I subscribe.
#82 - Mommy Daisy @ 8:50 am
I receive the newsletter.
#83 - Mommy Daisy @ 8:51 am
I have your button- http://psmomreviews.blogspot.com.
#84 - Melissa @Mel4Him @ 9:49 am
Very interested in listening to her music. Thanks for the opportunity
#85 - Melissa @Mel4Him @ 9:49 am
I'm a newsletter subscriber.
#86 - Melissa @Mel4Him @ 9:49 am
I'm a feed subscriber.
#87 - Melissa @Mel4Him @ 9:50 am
Button is on my blog.
#88 - Melissa @Mel4Him @ 9:52 am
Tweet
http://twitter.com/Mel4Him/status/5123828860
#89 - Angela Bailey @ 9:57 am
It sounds like she is very busy and traveling is a nightmare with a new baby, lol. I hope things get easier for her. : )
#90 - James Coyne @ 10:50 am
I hope i win
#91 - Ann F @ 11:45 am
I'm a subscriber
#92 - Theresa Dell @ 6:34 am
Sounds great, I'd love to hear her music
#93 - Marj M. @ 11:05 am
I would love to have this. Although if I were to win, the CD would go to my mothere-in-law who adores classical music.
#94 - Marj M. @ 11:06 am
I am an email subscriber. Happily, I might add.
#95 - Sidni @ 11:29 am
I'm a faithful follower of your great site! Keep up the great work! I love cello music, it soothes the soul my mother used to say! I hope I win!
#96 - Djp @ 1:29 pm
sign me up
#97 - Linda M. @ 2:18 pm
This sounds exactly like something I'd love to include in my day!
#98 - Linda M. @ 2:18 pm
I'm happy to subscribe to your feed via my yahoo homepage.
#99 - Linda M. @ 2:19 pm
I'm happy to subscribe to your newsletter via my yahoo address
#100 - Megret @ 8:37 pm
I would absolutely love to have this CD! Thanks for the chance.
Megret
musesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com
#101 - Megret @ 8:38 pm
I subscribe to your feed….
#102 - Megret @ 8:39 pm
…and also receive your e-newsletter!
#103 - Deb @ 11:17 pm
I love the sound of the cello!
#104 - Michelle @ 11:28 pm
I love the cello! Sounds wonderful.
#105 - ikkinlala @ 2:08 pm
This looks like a wonderful CD!
#106 - corrie @ 4:04 pm
my kids and i love music, we wanna win
#107 - marina @ 5:18 pm
Would love to win this for my sis
#108 - marina @ 5:19 pm
I follow
#109 - Deborah Wellenstein @ 6:25 pm
This would be a grand win-thank you!
#110 - Emilee @ 1:20 am
I love string intruments!
#111 - Emilee @ 1:20 am
I subscribe
#112 - Emilee @ 1:21 am
I get your newsletter
#113 - Patti Bright @ 6:16 am
This cd sounds incredible. This is my kind of music. I would so love to win this.
plb8156@aol.com
#114 - Patti Bright @ 6:16 am
I subscribe by email
plb8156@aol.com
#115 - Esther @ 2:02 pm
This sounds like a beautiful collection. I would love to own it.
#116 - mandy @ 3:39 pm
please enter me!
#117 - Terri @ 8:55 pm
Would love to win, if not for myself, for a lovely teacher gift
#118 - Terri @ 8:55 pm
button on sidebar
#119 - Terri @ 8:56 pm
feed subscriber
#120 - Terri @ 8:57 pm
newsletter subscriber
#121 - michele anne @ 9:08 pm
sounds great….sign me up….
#122 - angie @ 5:36 pm
This cd looks great. The music is so beautiful.
#123 - Lori Walker @ 11:44 am
thanks for the giveaway
#124 - Tonya @ 7:46 am
very cool, count me in please
#125 - Ken Robinson @ 8:17 pm
I'm listening to her now. Please accept my entry. Thank you.
#126 - alejandro aguilar @ 4:39 pm
i hope i win
#127 - Winning Readings @ 10:01 am
I'd love to listen to this!
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
#128 - Winning Readings @ 10:01 am
I'm a subscriber…
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
#129 - Winning Readings @ 10:02 am
We posted about this at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2009/11/stone-and-steel-cd.html
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
#130 - Daniel M @ 1:03 pm
always interested in listening to new stuff!!
#131 - Darcie K @ 1:15 pm
This would be very cool to have in my collection! dmkayes@gmail.com
#132 - Darcie K @ 1:15 pm
I subscribe to your newsletter.
dmkayes@gmail.com
#133 - Dave @ 1:25 pm
This sounds like the kind of music I would enjoy. Thank you for the chance to win.
#134 - KimberlyC @ 1:35 pm
Her music is beautiful. Thanks for pointing me to her site…. hopefully, Las Cruces in April!
#135 - Wendy @ 5:12 pm
I would love this.
#136 - Wendy @ 5:12 pm
I Subscribe.
#137 - Erma @ 7:31 am
This sounds great.
#138 - Patti Bright @ 1:09 pm
Wow what a fantastic giveaway…I am sure I will just love this music
plb8156@aol.com
#139 - Andria @ 1:12 pm
I would love a chance to win. Thank you.
#140 - Lance Pearson @ 3:21 pm
sign me up the cd looks good
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
#141 - Lance Pearson @ 3:21 pm
i subscribe to the newsletter
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
#142 - Lance Pearson @ 3:23 pm
i subscribe to the feed
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
#143 - Wanda @ 3:54 pm
I love this type of music. Please enter me in your draw. Thanks.
#144 - Ed Nemmers @ 4:40 pm
Happy Weekend!
#145 - Jenny Gibbons @ 4:54 pm
The cello is a wonderful instrument — thanks for the giveaway!
#146 - Bev E @ 5:20 pm
Sounds beautiful : D
BevE
merryweatherbookblog AT GMAIL Dot Com
#147 - Bev E @ 5:20 pm
Also a subscriber : D
BevE
merryweatherbookblog (at) gmail (dot) com
#148 - Allegro @ 9:40 pm
She sounds like a winner! I wish I had her energy, not to mention talent.
#149 - Daniel Bates @ 12:37 am
thanks this sounds good!
#150 - Gloria @ 7:39 am
I'd love to have some nice soothing music!
#151 - Gloria @ 7:39 am
subscribe to feed via google reader
#152 - Gloria @ 7:40 am
subscribe email
#153 - Gloria @ 7:40 am
http://kngmckellar-glorias.blogspot.com/
have button already
#154 - Gloria @ 7:41 am
http://twitter.com/kngmckellar/status/5477388587
tweeted
#155 - susan smoaks @ 9:09 am
yes this is right up my alley!
#156 - susan smoaks @ 9:12 am
rss subscriber
#157 - susan smoaks @ 9:16 am
newsletter subscriber
#158 - David Patterson @ 9:56 am
Great artist count me in
#159 - Tiffany S @ 10:00 am
I'd love to be entered to win! Thank you!
#160 - Sarah @ 12:09 pm
It's inspiring to see a mom following her dream. Would love to check out her CD.
#161 - Sarah @ 12:18 pm
I subscribe to your feed.
#162 - Sarah @ 12:19 pm
I subscribe to the 5M4M newsletter.
#163 - Sarah @ 12:29 pm
I have your button on my sidebar.
#164 - Angela Winesburg @ 3:03 pm
I would love to win this, thanks for the chance!
#165 - DanV @ 4:37 pm
This would be great
#166 - Gabriel J. @ 6:14 pm
Please, enter me, great prize!!! I would love to win this.
#167 - Gabriel J. @ 6:15 pm
I subscribe.
#168 - jeccica simpson @ 7:38 pm
I would love this, thanks for a chance
#169 - jeccica simpson @ 7:38 pm
subscriber
#170 - jeccica simpson @ 7:39 pm
subscriber via RSS Feed
#171 - jeccica simpson @ 7:39 pm
Grabbed your button
http://stayathomemammaof3.blogspot.com/
#172 - jeccica simpson @ 7:41 pm
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/jessa1130/statuses/5493912075
#173 - Gianna @ 9:24 pm
This sounds wonderful.. Please enter me
#174 - Lily Kwan @ 9:30 pm
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
#175 - Lily Kwan @ 9:31 pm
I subscribed to your feed.
#176 - Lily Kwan @ 9:32 pm
I signed up for your newsletter.
#177 - Heather C @ 9:50 pm
This would be an inspiration for my daughter. She wants to learn all kinds of instruments!
#178 - Heather C @ 9:50 pm
I subscribe to your rss feed.
#179 - Heather C @ 9:51 pm
I get your newsletter.
#180 - Melissa Nunley @ 11:17 pm
great giveaway
#181 - Melissa Nunley @ 11:17 pm
im a subscriber