Ottenstein, Harriet; Cuevas, Juan (mother/son). Discovery Green Park, 2009-11-29T15:30:00

File — Interview-ID: MBY006010

Interview Description

Juan Cuevas (33) interviews his mother Harriet Ottenstein about her life, career as a pianist, and family.

Facilitator Subject Log

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1:20 Harriet's parents built a succah in the back yard in their home in NJ to celebrate their Jewish heritage of harvest and life on the fields.

6:10 Harriet wanted to be a pianist since she was 4. She could tell what song was on a record just by looking at the grooves.

11:05 Harriet met Juan Cuevas Sr. at the Manhattan School of Music. He was talking animatedly and made her spill soup on her dress. She became his accompanist.

31:06 Juan always brags about his mom. She has been a concert pianist, a piano teacher, a nurse, a mom of 7, and has written a book.

32:47 Harriet wrote a letter to Santa, "Dear Santa, Please save this letter because one day I'll be famous. Harriet."

40:00 Twice she married outside of her religion and culture, wanting someone to see her as a person. Their family heritage includes Orthodox Jewish, Irish Catholic, Ghanan, Dominican, Spanish, Philippino, Malaysian. They are a multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-interesting family.