Virtual Violin Recitals A Welcome Respite During Pandemic
Virtual Violin Recitals A Welcome Respite During Pandemic
Music is often used to inspire and connect people, and it’s also something that Kenan Pretzer is very passionate about.
As many employees began teleworking because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pretzer, who works as a distribution engineer at Southern California Edison, wanted to find a way to connect with his colleagues and spread some positivity during these uncertain times. He started doing a 30-minute virtual violin recital every Friday during the lunch hour for people to disconnect briefly and enjoy live music.
“It's so easy for me to get caught up and just checking the next box and forgetting about having that perspective of being thankful for where I am in life,” Pretzer said. “The opportunities that I have each moment is a blessing to be able to use and impact other people around me in a positive way.”
What started off as a show for a couple of coworkers has grown by word of mouth to 30-40 viewers each week. He says while it can be nerve-racking to perform for coworkers, he enjoys hearing feedback about what his music means to them and their families.

“One of my coworkers reached out to me and sent me a picture of her two little children watching the performance one day, and just seeing them looking at the camera, it really meant a lot to me how they were engaged in it and how it was a family bonding activity for them,” Pretzer said.
Outside of SCE, Pretzer’s music has also reached members of his community virtually during the pandemic. As churches closed due to stay-at-home orders, he joined a small ensemble to record music for online church services. Pretzer has been playing the violin for about 14 years and his favorite musical inspirations come from hymns because they remind him to always keep a positive outlook.
“Hymns prompt me to take a step back and regain perspective on life, remembering the things that are most important to me and taking a brief respite from the constant distractions in life,” he said.
His weekly recitals usually begin with a few traditional melodies, then transition to classical music and wrap up with popular movie themes at the end. During a recent recital, he played “Gaston” from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”
SCE employee Kenan Pretzer plays the song "Gaston".
“With this variety, my hope is that each recital has at least something that each listener will enjoy,” he said.
For his listeners, it’s a refreshing pause to a busy week and an opportunity to step away from everyday stressors.
“Even if only for 30 minutes a week, it’s nice to remove these from our thoughts and allow Kenan’s playing to refresh us with positive, calming and uplifting entertainment,” said SCE employee Hildy Magallanes.
More than just entertainment, Pretzer’s weekly performance is a reminder of the importance to step back and press reset occasionally, perhaps now more than ever.
“I tune into Kenan’s recitals because they are the pause that refreshes after a busy week,” said SCE employee Brian Thoburn. “And let’s face it, it’s been a crazy, unprecedented year. His performances take me to a happier, more peaceful place.”