Long, Strange Journey

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Hello from the most beautiful place I have been to in a long time. Riva del Garda is a resort town at the north end of a pristine lake in the Italian Alps and we're the resident orchestra for a music festival they have every year. Unfortunately, we are also the orchestra for the conducting masterclass which means 11 hour rehearsal days and string player revolts, but this program isn't known for its organization to begin with. So far the best part has been the abundance of wine and the beach hang after the conducting sessions conclude in the evening, as well as gelato shops on every street and a beauty that itsn't found anywhere in the United States. We play a concert tonight under a crazy Russian conductor named Karabtchevsky, who has already warned us that our rehearsals have very little to do with the way he will conduct us in performance. What a comforting thought...

As eye opening as this whole experience has been, living out of a suitcase is beginning to get old, and I will definitely be ready to stroll the mundane Naperville riverwalk when I return home. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer activities and that postcards are finding their way stateside!

1 Comments:

  • At 4:13 AM, Blogger Z said…

    Thanks very much for writing to me Catie - I look forward to reading about your European trip.

     

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