Music for Mono Lake

Editor’s note: In preparing for the upcoming music concert to benefit Mono Lake, Shelly Backlar, the Committee’s Development Director has had the opportunity to find out more about this unique couple’s musical talents as well as their connection to Mono Lake.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with violinist David Abel and pianist Julie Steinberg about their upcoming Mono Lake benefit concert. While I was a bit nervous about striking up a conversation with such accomplished musicians, I quickly realized there was no warrant to my apprehension. Our talk was delightful; like reconnecting with dear friends. It is remarkable how Mono Lake can unite people. Now, let me introduce you to David Abel and Julie Steinberg.

David and Julie are Mono Lake Committee members with strong connections to the Mono Basin. David began backpacking in the Eastern Sierra in the 1950s. The couple frequently camped in the basin throughout the 1980s and now owns a cabin near Twin Lakes in Bridgeport. "I remember a time when Mono Lake came up to Highway 395," said Abel. "Over the years I’ve watched the lake shrink."

When asked what prompted them to come forward to help Mono Lake, David answered, "We’ve wanted to do something for Mono Lake for a long time now. I have been friends with Heidi Hopkins [the Committee’s Eastern Sierra Policy Director] for many years. When I found out she was working with the Committee, I approached her with the idea of having a benefit concert. We’re happy that the Committee and the Water Resources Center Archives are enthusiastic about collaborating with us to make this concert possible."

I asked David and Julie if there were any special Mono Lake experiences they would like to share with other members, and they immediately spoke in unison, "Our canoe trip on Mono Lake!" Julie elaborated, "We took a Mono Lake Committee guided canoe trip and were fortunate enough to see the ospreys. The experience was truly magical."

Because touring takes them all over the world, David and Julie are pleased to note an increasing awareness of Mono Lake throughout Europe, with Mono Lake being a popular destination for those wanting to experience "the West." Julie stated, "Recently while flying Lufthansa, we saw an impressive five minute travel segment about Mono Lake."

David Abel and Julie Steinberg frequently appear in duo recitals, and together they have recorded two sonata programs on Wilson Audio. Joined by percussionist, William Winant, they established the Abel-Steinberg-Winant Trio, which is dedicated to the performance of music from the Americas and the Pacific Rim. The Trio has received critical acclaim throughout the United States for their fine performances and unique programming, and for their recording of Lou Harrison’s music on New Albion Records.

Equally impressive are their solo careers. David Abel’s musical activities range from chamber music to solo recitals, orchestra appearances and teaching violin and chamber music. Julie Steinberg is an active performer both as a soloist and chamber musician. Both David and Julie are currently teaching at Mills College in Oakland.

The Mono Lake Committee and the Water Resources Center Archives at the University of California, Berkeley, are delighted to announce that David Abel and Julie Steinberg have generously volunteered to play a benefit concert for Mono Lake. Proceeds from this fund-raising event will be split between the two organizations. The Archives will use their portion to make the Mono Lake collection of documents and photos, which was donated by the Mono Lake Committee in 1997, more accessible to the public.