tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13540300222175929742024-03-19T08:49:51.407+01:00Back Row PerspectivesThis is a musical blog by Jeremy Wilson, who plays 2nd trombone in the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and its sister organization, the Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera.Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-65640615881507911642012-06-23T12:04:00.001+02:002012-06-23T12:04:05.296+02:00Finally, An Update!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been an amazing, if somewhat emotional, three months since I shared the news of my appointment at Vanderbilt. As soon as I clicked 'publish' on the post I knew it would be a crazy few weeks, and I decided that I wouldn't try to update the blog any more until things calmed down and I had plenty of extra time. I wanted to dedicate my time to family vacations we had scheduled, spending time with and saying goodbye to our friends, and savoring every last bit of my remaining time in the orchestra. I honestly didn't think it would be this long until I had some extra time, but I'm able now to update you all on what has happened since then. First, though, we have to jump back to the beginning of 2012.<br />
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At the time I accepted my new position at the Blair School of Music, I was at the end of one of the busiest periods of time I've ever experienced. The first three months of 2012 looked like this:</div>
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- <a href="http://backrowperspectives.blogspot.co.at/2012/01/new-years-concert-thoughts-plus-videos.html" target="_blank">New Year's Concert</a></div>
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- VPO Block with Gergiev</div>
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- <a href="http://backrowperspectives.blogspot.co.at/2012/01/36-hours-in-arabia.html" target="_blank">Tour to Oman with Gergiev</a> (big 1st trombone solo with 24-hrs notice when Ian Bousfield falls ill)</div>
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- Live Austria-wide radio broadcast with the <a href="http://www.wienerposaunenensemble.at/Wiener_Posaunen_Ensemble_main_mitglieder.html" target="_blank">Vienna Trombone Ensemble</a> (buy their CD!!!!)<br />
- Fly to the US with Kristi and Eli</div>
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- Masterclasses at Wheaton College, Illinois</div>
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- Masterclass at Roosevelt University, Chicago</div>
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- Solo recital/masterclass at Univ. of Wisconsin - Whitewater</div>
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- Return to Tennessee for family visit</div>
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- Solo recital/masterclass at Univ. of Southern Mississippi</div>
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- Masterclasses at Univ. of North Texas</div>
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- Concerto performance with North Texas Symphonic Band</div>
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- Audition for professorship at Vanderbilt University</div>
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- Fly to Vienna, leaving Kristi and Eli in the US</div>
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- VPO Block with Maazel (includes bass trumpet on "the Ring without Words")</div>
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- Tour with Maazel: </div>
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- Oslo</div>
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- Stockholm</div>
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- Helsinki</div>
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- Aalborg</div>
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- Copenhagen</div>
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- New York City (Carnegie)</div>
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- Fly to Tennessee for family time and to pick up Kristi and Eli</div>
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- Return to Vienna</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The New Year's Concert live broadcast in Austria</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Oslo, Norway. My 40th country!</td></tr>
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Now, on top of all this was my normal opera schedule (about 20 performances), and the ever-present back story of my decision to leave the orchestra. I do not regret for one second the way things turned out, and I am totally happy and at peace with my decision to move to Nashville, but anyone would have to admit that any life/career decision of this magnitude carries with it significant stress and emotional weight. <br />
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I am not writing this so that everyone will feel sorry for me, or to sort of brag about how busy I was. After all, every item on the list (with the possible exception of the trans-Atlantic flights) was very enjoyable, and I'm glad I did all of it. I am writing this so that 'future me' can look back and remember this hectic yet wonderful season of my life, and also so that you can maybe understand why, at the end of all that, I needed a BREAK!!!<br />
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Thankfully, we had already planned a late-March family vacation to Spain and Portugal well before I even applied for the Vanderbilt job. We decided last Fall to make traveling around Europe a greater priority in 2012, and our many trips have turned out to be a very nice farewell tour! You can read more about <a href="http://theviennawilsons.net/search/label/Spain" target="_blank">Spain & Portugal at the Vienna Wilsons</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p5Qks8rhKs6v90kHYgmGIynVFfmRvUmOgiAeHkKrL-NkGmsOHVt4wgox18XZe9GMJV_iVI5hf1bW1Qroj0Uu6W5y36yOqQC1PANPWSGWPgYfkExdTCB2ll0FaPgCnQ1ntJfu17QmVEA/s1600/IMG_2047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p5Qks8rhKs6v90kHYgmGIynVFfmRvUmOgiAeHkKrL-NkGmsOHVt4wgox18XZe9GMJV_iVI5hf1bW1Qroj0Uu6W5y36yOqQC1PANPWSGWPgYfkExdTCB2ll0FaPgCnQ1ntJfu17QmVEA/s400/IMG_2047.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Kristi & Eli in Granada, Spain</td></tr>
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It was really nice to be able to take a couple weeks to relax, unwind, and reflect on the new direction our lives has taken. I think it was good that we took some time to step away from all the craziness to truly absorb what had taken place and mentally prepare ourselves for what lay ahead. It also helped cleanse my musical palate and clear my head from a work point of view, so that I could step right back into some great music in the month of April. It was important to me that I perform well in my final months, especially since two of them were going to be as principal trombonist! More on that in the next post. <br />
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I'll close out this post by saying a huge "Thank You" to all of you who messaged me with words of encouragement and support after my big announcement. I was truly overwhelmed by the positive reception with which my post was met. It seems it generated quite a bit of interest... the post had 1,200 views in the first 48 hours, and Back Row Perspectives was viewed well over 5,000 times in the month of March!! <br />
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As I sit here in late June, having finished my final VPO concert in Vienna and only two months from flying to Nashville for good, I feel the exact same way I felt three months ago: sad to be leaving, but mostly just grateful for the time I've had here and excited for what the future will bring. The moving company is coming to pick up our belongings on Monday, and next Thursday I will perform my 557th (and final) opera in the Wiener Staatsoper. It has all come so very fast, but I have had musical and personal experiences in the past months that I will always treasure. I'm just glad I have some time to jot them down now! Stay tuned.</div>
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</div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-61043610932576038662012-03-05T23:35:00.000+01:002012-03-05T23:35:25.773+01:00A Major Announcement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's been an intense few weeks since my last post... and at the end of it all, I have some major news to share with you. OK... here we go! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>It gives me great pleasure to announce I have accepted a position as Associate Professor of Trombone at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music! </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span">That's right! We will be moving back to Tennessee in August, and I will begin teaching during the Fall 2012 semester.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIpqzxzAFz56DxMQKeSRUsHBpZ7DH-4_3gxgIUTHMY0J8BDw8beHtFMU5Og_wkithgt1JezY7695-6sZm0K_dMze_lLNDmD7nmoBZWcjqj1LU4OeyJ-UpBL-GaQy3lE0uVMuUq9ceYvw/s1600/vanderbilt-university-580+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIpqzxzAFz56DxMQKeSRUsHBpZ7DH-4_3gxgIUTHMY0J8BDw8beHtFMU5Og_wkithgt1JezY7695-6sZm0K_dMze_lLNDmD7nmoBZWcjqj1LU4OeyJ-UpBL-GaQy3lE0uVMuUq9ceYvw/s200/vanderbilt-university-580+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I realize this comes as a shock to many of you, and I know I have some explaining to do, but first I just want to say how honored I am to have been offered this fantastic opportunity and how excited we are about our future in Nashville. <br />
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Of course this means I will be leaving the Vienna Philharmonic/Staatsoper, which was not a decision that was reached lightly. There have been many sleepless nights and tearful conversations over the past few weeks, but in the end I felt the opportunity to return to our home state to teach and perform music at one of America's <a href="http://www.vanderbilt.edu/" target="_blank">top universities</a> was too good to pass up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcby4ccNlRxY5H_Y6ArcgASSnq1vgNnJLWESRGwhdfATQNRUUtlADhxirKzN8_gJwZtu2Cp9ZriMhqUnn9l5nSij3aPWEE1h8Da6uunaVNBidIKh_FqROdX1G7mih5NuEpTY-rrIRrQ9c/s1600/23301_113250705356470_3012_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcby4ccNlRxY5H_Y6ArcgASSnq1vgNnJLWESRGwhdfATQNRUUtlADhxirKzN8_gJwZtu2Cp9ZriMhqUnn9l5nSij3aPWEE1h8Da6uunaVNBidIKh_FqROdX1G7mih5NuEpTY-rrIRrQ9c/s1600/23301_113250705356470_3012_n.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
Those that know me best know that amidst the triumphs and joys of the last 5 years (which will surely rank among the best years of my life), there have been immense struggles as well. Like many aspects of life, this experience has been a lesson in the age-old dictum that there are two sides to every story.<br />
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On one hand, I have had the honor and privilege to perform with not one but <i>two</i> of the world's greatest orchestras, in the world's greatest concert halls, under the world's greatest conductors. I have lived for 5 years in one the world's most beautiful cities, traveled to nearly 40 countries, learned a foreign language, and built life-long friendships, both inside and outside the orchestra. And above all of those things stands the most amazing part of this experience: the music. The quality and quantity of music I have heard since September 2007 has enriched my life in a way that I could've never imagined.<br />
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On the other hand, the demands of the orchestra's rigorous work/touring schedule have made it quite a challenge to fulfill my most important roles... husband and father. I am on the road an average of two months per year. In 2011, I was in Vienna only 7 months out of the year. At the end of this season, we will have lived in Vienna for about 260 weeks; I have spent 48 of those weeks away from my wife and son. This is a very heavy price to pay for all the great things I mentioned above, and I have increasingly viewed the touring aspect of my job as a burden rather than a perk. I love my job, but I love my family infinitely more. I want to be around for my wife... I want to watch my son (and any future sons/daughters) grow up. Not even the Vienna Philharmonic is more important than that.<br />
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Also, Vienna is not my home... Tennessee is! There is no way to fully describe in a blog post what it's like to live an ocean away from the people and places you hold most dear. For some people, it works. I realize that geographic proximity to loved ones is not a priority for everyone. For us, it is a big deal, and we are elated beyond words that we will be close to family once more!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We're so happy to return to the Volunteer State!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is one more major reason I have made this decision. Those that have known me for a long time know that up until the point I got the job in Vienna, my goal was to someday teach trombone at the university level. Though I have obviously enjoyed it immensely, I never planned on being a full-time orchestral musician. In my first lesson with Vern Kagarice at North Texas, we sat down and had a conversation about my career goals. I told him in that lesson, "I would like to do a job just like yours." I said the same thing to Don Hough years earlier at the University of Tennessee.</span><br />
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I have a passion for performance and a passion for teaching, and I always felt a university position would allow me the best opportunity to do both those things on a high level. My feelings on that subject haven't changed over the years. What has changed is that I'm now actually qualified for such a position!! In other words, I feel that I have taken a <i>very</i> circuitous route to achieving what has been my end goal since 2002.<br />
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I'm looking forward to interacting with students, impacting their lives through the wonderful gift of music, and sharing what I've learned and experienced in Vienna. I am excited to rediscover the things that defined my pre-Vienna career (solo playing, jazz, and chamber music) through the lens of the last 5 years. I can't wait to build new friendships and make music with my colleagues at Vanderbilt, especially in the context of the Blair faculty brass quintet, which will be a major part of my existence there.<br />
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Though my first priority will be my students at <a href="http://blair.vanderbilt.edu/" target="_blank">Blair</a>, I plan to actively pursue a more active solo career. My recent solo performances in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Texas (sorry for the lack of posts, but it's been a <i>little</i> crazy) were the most fun I've had making music in a long time, and I commented to someone afterwards that it could be addictive. I plan on concertizing lots in Nashville and around the Southeast, as well as hopefully national and international conferences.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don't want to completely say 'goodbye' to my orchestral life. It is my hope that I'll have opportunities over the years to perform with symphony orchestras, even if not in a full-time capacity. I am not so naive as to think I won't miss the Vienna Philharmonic... of course I will! But I'm not planning on severing all ties. I want to come back occasionally to listen, absorb, and maintain the professional and personal relationships I have in Europe. And if they wanted me to sit in on something, I probably would. :)<br />
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As I near the end of this journey, I find myself reflecting on all that has happened since 2007. I still don't know if it has sunk in yet what I've actually done, but I think it's beginning to. I find myself filled not with regret or sadness, but rather overcome with feelings of gratitude and fulfillment. <br />
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I am so thankful to God for the blessings He has poured out on my family, and for this experience which has changed my life and the lives of everyone around me. <br />
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I am so thankful to my wonderful wife, whose support, determination, and courage have made everything in the last five years possible, from beginning to end. She was ready to move to Vienna in 2007 even before I was, and she never once asked to leave. I brought the Vanderbilt idea to her, and she was willing to do whatever I thought best. Kristi, you are awesome.<br />
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I am so thankful to the Vienna Philharmonic/State Opera for taking a chance on me, then completely accepting me, and then understanding and respecting my decision to leave. I have been overwhelmed by the decency, empathy, and professionalism with which my decision has been met. My colleagues have all echoed my feelings in the last week: sad that I'm going, but happy for the opportunity I've been given. I owe a special thanks to Ian Bousfield, without whom I would never have shown up in Vienna in the first place, and whose guidance and friendship have meant the world to me. <br />
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And finally, I am so grateful to Dean Mark Wait and the Blair search committee for this amazing life-changing chance. I enthusiastically look forward to the coming years!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReU9Lc6PO62BiM81pB6MWVPN7IvmDgBJ7bq1cMe7-T692u2XxPCrkwfVmt4l4L_qgTI1GAUBlb_CcQ9zfi36CjUURfMfIyVShJ56Ry75rAwBAa1omRSpLuSByhb0O8wjODUF0qXj6ZvM/s1600/main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReU9Lc6PO62BiM81pB6MWVPN7IvmDgBJ7bq1cMe7-T692u2XxPCrkwfVmt4l4L_qgTI1GAUBlb_CcQ9zfi36CjUURfMfIyVShJ56Ry75rAwBAa1omRSpLuSByhb0O8wjODUF0qXj6ZvM/s400/main.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Blair's state-of-the-art Ingram Center for the Performing Arts</span></td></tr>
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</b></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-14731510869856301402012-01-19T02:05:00.000+01:002012-01-19T02:05:03.589+01:0036 Hours in Arabia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's time for a pop quiz! Who can tell me (without using Google) which country the following flag represents?</div>
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Not sure??? Here's a clue: its capital city is Musqat.</div>
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Still don't know?</div>
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Well, of course I'm referring to the well-known and not at all obscure <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oman" target="_blank">Sultanate of Oman</a>!</div>
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What's that, you say?? You've never even heard of Oman? Neither had I until recently, when I decided to learn the flags of the world. Do you want to know how I remembered this one? Whenever I saw the distinctive curved dagger in the corner, I would think, "Oh, MAN! I'll never get this one! Oh-man = OMAN!" I obviously never thought I would EVER have a chance to visit this little-known nation on the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula, but this week it became my foreign country number 37!</div>
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The Philharmonic had originally planned a two-day stay in Abu Dhabi, where I've visited already twice, but the plans fell through somehow and instead we helped break in the brand new Royal Opera House of Musqat with a program of Russian music under the baton of Valery Gergiev. Sultan Qaboos, the leader of Oman since the 1970s, has a reputation for being dedicated to a policy of modernization and tolerance, quite similar to his neighbors in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain. He owns a humongous yacht, several elaborate palaces, and is reputedly a huge classical music fan. Naturally.</div>
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I mainly want to let the photos tell the story, but I have to lay a little groundwork first. You see, this Gergiev 'block' got underway last week with another two-day tour to Germany. We visited Hannover and Cologne (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%B6lsch_(beer)" target="_blank">Kölsch</a> and a meterwurst <i>highly </i>recommended by the way), returned to Wien to perform our normal weekend subscription concerts, and then immediately following Sunday's concert rushed to the airport and took off towards the desert. </div>
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With the time difference, we arrived in Musqat at around 12:30 AM on Monday. Airports don't tend to be fully staffed at that time of night, as we soon found out. There were 2 windows open at immigration and it was very slow going. Immigration took about 2 minutes per person, times 100 people... let's just say we were there for a while. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUTCMwTAyCAZwCDw7i0g_PydHamxAVSJnEsvWCDV9p6pfJ_i5P-zMgkhvlocnx_cBZMoVLHDkPF5HDLux4ZpwvF6dEUjQ8qV_zLc3WB4-Kq4mR46sTwVK4kGx3k7Jkm3lyir87TxzVzs/s1600/IMG_0788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUTCMwTAyCAZwCDw7i0g_PydHamxAVSJnEsvWCDV9p6pfJ_i5P-zMgkhvlocnx_cBZMoVLHDkPF5HDLux4ZpwvF6dEUjQ8qV_zLc3WB4-Kq4mR46sTwVK4kGx3k7Jkm3lyir87TxzVzs/s400/IMG_0788.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not what you want to see at 1AM</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeW61iUL3doKiTfBZVA0de24F7BxH7txwdCbDu-AV6eDgWKm7jMjci8CR1oNAfWejH0jU2u9gbqc8H-J2YqAf7K8jF6V2atm892qT1ijQtaN_BlrUkphDWVp3FlfugmbNvxoKza-s_oQ/s1600/IMG_0786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeW61iUL3doKiTfBZVA0de24F7BxH7txwdCbDu-AV6eDgWKm7jMjci8CR1oNAfWejH0jU2u9gbqc8H-J2YqAf7K8jF6V2atm892qT1ijQtaN_BlrUkphDWVp3FlfugmbNvxoKza-s_oQ/s400/IMG_0786.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least Sultan Qaboos was there to greet us!</td></tr>
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We finally made it to our hotel around 2:45 AM, and I crashed hard. The next morning I awoke to see this outside my balcony: </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6ILgIOY_iK90ULbQiCGPh7_57YYbEvJiVzvhcbBEj1bVgUwbBmb1fLJ5wgCtMa3tsrN1s6OPNvC_8of9Sr3iNPO_6Zz7YhS7qnSSzTVrOVRRToM2PHzp89erAa_5cMMToRgfGJnGxtY/s1600/IMG_0796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6ILgIOY_iK90ULbQiCGPh7_57YYbEvJiVzvhcbBEj1bVgUwbBmb1fLJ5wgCtMa3tsrN1s6OPNvC_8of9Sr3iNPO_6Zz7YhS7qnSSzTVrOVRRToM2PHzp89erAa_5cMMToRgfGJnGxtY/s400/IMG_0796.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a pleasant surprise if I ever saw one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEb5Nl9xHyOvSJl6MKdnhlLorI2hzQNT09VqzPjM47hr8QVzYr2B5KFD97iLWZp-GEugE3r-58Nx81UEMCaLww4C91Cmr_351xL2xsv6iRfQtaurcm_Zlshi9d0zKb3eIiTylt56065k/s1600/IMG_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEb5Nl9xHyOvSJl6MKdnhlLorI2hzQNT09VqzPjM47hr8QVzYr2B5KFD97iLWZp-GEugE3r-58Nx81UEMCaLww4C91Cmr_351xL2xsv6iRfQtaurcm_Zlshi9d0zKb3eIiTylt56065k/s400/IMG_0797.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure what that island is, but it's HUGE</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92hVMrXFqPVWx48cXH510eRz8IjdXU3YZ2S_-Yp_dfzCdfT1sqUhKKXzTCHQZEreV7Al7kQJ4GO1pDPaShCnN01lG25fXfLzJXspU7lVz_YsuxOC8Q6zlyVPJbuNAMiKhhy6T_hNxWvA/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92hVMrXFqPVWx48cXH510eRz8IjdXU3YZ2S_-Yp_dfzCdfT1sqUhKKXzTCHQZEreV7Al7kQJ4GO1pDPaShCnN01lG25fXfLzJXspU7lVz_YsuxOC8Q6zlyVPJbuNAMiKhhy6T_hNxWvA/s400/IMG_0798.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arabian Riviera??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiN80hwZC7E4XhGVv4xYem31vafU4OsiJys5eK_qwy9FKVbv6Fj4s6Gkzn0-Yd1eW71F3CNACJsOSOvhf9jU2vc7Ki8tkomJI5ruOHlrvB5Js5HrEdv2Wan5QfG5xqwUOARY8cb1lra_k/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiN80hwZC7E4XhGVv4xYem31vafU4OsiJys5eK_qwy9FKVbv6Fj4s6Gkzn0-Yd1eW71F3CNACJsOSOvhf9jU2vc7Ki8tkomJI5ruOHlrvB5Js5HrEdv2Wan5QfG5xqwUOARY8cb1lra_k/s400/IMG_0800.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some beautiful foothills in the distance</td></tr>
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I didn't make it out of bed in time for breakfast, but I did manage to drag myself downstairs for a wonderful buffet lunch with some colleagues. Much hummus was consumed. In the afternoon I did some practice and then decided to do a bit of walking around.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jKxxT6SxzX-knBK9gIKx-ndNPbFUI94N31DWYCLIYmefUJJ_p6H6HW0Q00EkAh3tmGxcS8YQ7cR5mk0hp7sYFgouf15nGK4Hw5iT4plYxoviXM8y-xdTruHHacI9Ye9gdK6VNQdjEts/s1600/IMG_0814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jKxxT6SxzX-knBK9gIKx-ndNPbFUI94N31DWYCLIYmefUJJ_p6H6HW0Q00EkAh3tmGxcS8YQ7cR5mk0hp7sYFgouf15nGK4Hw5iT4plYxoviXM8y-xdTruHHacI9Ye9gdK6VNQdjEts/s400/IMG_0814.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't imagine a more stark contrast to Vienna in January</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaatZ-ogbZ_YCgXW7NH6nXylDV_nKUtQ73mGTS3gotm_M2O_wwG840PZDWSII_DU4cPmjWIjN6n8ZYIpJMT1_mw02FIIa9hgWfDMXc-TbFTYniiZ5SqX-z422s6GI10U4wt-RDJFh9PM/s1600/IMG_0819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaatZ-ogbZ_YCgXW7NH6nXylDV_nKUtQ73mGTS3gotm_M2O_wwG840PZDWSII_DU4cPmjWIjN6n8ZYIpJMT1_mw02FIIa9hgWfDMXc-TbFTYniiZ5SqX-z422s6GI10U4wt-RDJFh9PM/s400/IMG_0819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1Y7_hyS_6v0sZHFIqZsAtwgUvZU0QFbu4IxgLsWhDSWLbFiij4N7SHSfWRB_vB6ErGf9dxsZOfX3P1icRcKFblwIgey2vM4BeLYNTl8osbC0SGjNG9XQXmEW5IpN5ETtkHe7WcUt4wg/s1600/IMG_0822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1Y7_hyS_6v0sZHFIqZsAtwgUvZU0QFbu4IxgLsWhDSWLbFiij4N7SHSfWRB_vB6ErGf9dxsZOfX3P1icRcKFblwIgey2vM4BeLYNTl8osbC0SGjNG9XQXmEW5IpN5ETtkHe7WcUt4wg/s400/IMG_0822.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seems like all the buildings are white... suppose it helps with the heat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spent some time reading in the hotel garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIWSxwrEPmLAiG0gUQk647zJfq0aN5REKrLzkGaKs9bCc3qfphx6-EfPPe63HdXESwZpu7ME1lrFmaeiAlkyEx10hie9k-V2Ju8W9G0cjb6sWlGXRkkq2QZWXiTBn0h5z3IhyphenhyphenECT6JRU/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIWSxwrEPmLAiG0gUQk647zJfq0aN5REKrLzkGaKs9bCc3qfphx6-EfPPe63HdXESwZpu7ME1lrFmaeiAlkyEx10hie9k-V2Ju8W9G0cjb6sWlGXRkkq2QZWXiTBn0h5z3IhyphenhyphenECT6JRU/s400/IMG_0834.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (2nd largest in the world)</td></tr>
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The concert went really well, and I was blown away by the over-the-top splendor of the hall. The acoustics were not very well suited to our orchestra, but it worked out okay in the end. </div>
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We did a couple pieces I had never heard of, but that I was really glad to be introduced to. First was Rimsky-Korsakov's <i>Invisible City of Kitezh Suite</i>, which is a real gem in my opinion. Second was a brilliant and fun jazz-influenced piece by Rhodin Shchedrin entitled <i>Concerto No. 1 "Naughty Limericks"</i>. And we were again treated to a rousing performance of Tchaikovsky's <i>Piano Concerto No. 1 </i>by the 2011 Tchaikovsky Competition winner Daniil Trifonov. The guy is 20 years old and makes the most amazing music. Really inspiring stuff.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinaAzOaetdRQYx_LPG4PFvPOo-Az5gMhyphenhyphenJ1XjvuZLyl4Sbe6fu4fs-3f4m7FEcGl4TPSyN80eVEH0vi8_kNOKVqOjlt4rbV7f8UjAhRC8D2cpXrRHBmyfCJgrp_QrwEEIBt51mTcUNWk/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinaAzOaetdRQYx_LPG4PFvPOo-Az5gMhyphenhyphenJ1XjvuZLyl4Sbe6fu4fs-3f4m7FEcGl4TPSyN80eVEH0vi8_kNOKVqOjlt4rbV7f8UjAhRC8D2cpXrRHBmyfCJgrp_QrwEEIBt51mTcUNWk/s400/IMG_0827.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Opera House Musqat after the concert</td></tr>
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On the way back to Vienna we were treated to some breathtaking views, particularly over southwest Iran and southern Iraq.<br /><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Omani landscape just after take-off</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmx1bOVGlIZfyX7HurXm8FjvptaeAiIRox5k1ZJ8xm8VP2Uv5SMP81Bliqt6fMTv51oHiqolZKA13yVnPMcQzn-2S6yFosHV2kTFZIx1D4KCwxbhafTR0B6IdalmygGVTTgMbybrbmCqk/s1600/IMG_0857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmx1bOVGlIZfyX7HurXm8FjvptaeAiIRox5k1ZJ8xm8VP2Uv5SMP81Bliqt6fMTv51oHiqolZKA13yVnPMcQzn-2S6yFosHV2kTFZIx1D4KCwxbhafTR0B6IdalmygGVTTgMbybrbmCqk/s400/IMG_0857.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous mountain ranges in Iran</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqkHK1KPNeFSm5JvYt94o2q7rFNvoMk5FrNDGoGxGTfWczTUdUXSYtsQ9ck98FJgMNaXYke6HRW-gQpalhWTsRbtRMlK8IstOONRYpkJb4WHdg_uZREMyTZgnxZP-K_pZOHjhXAV1BMQ/s1600/IMG_0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqkHK1KPNeFSm5JvYt94o2q7rFNvoMk5FrNDGoGxGTfWczTUdUXSYtsQ9ck98FJgMNaXYke6HRW-gQpalhWTsRbtRMlK8IstOONRYpkJb4WHdg_uZREMyTZgnxZP-K_pZOHjhXAV1BMQ/s400/IMG_0859.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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If you'd like to see even more photos, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100591082173475.2679990.9414030&type=1&l=c0884c9b81" target="_blank">check out this album.</a><br /><div>
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</div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-9759705611065897572012-01-03T01:00:00.000+01:002012-01-16T20:20:09.774+01:00New Year's Concert Thoughts (plus Videos!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Sunday I had the privilege to take part in the Vienna Philharmonic's annual New Year's Concert for 2012. What a blast!!! I thought the concert went really well, and judging from the flurry of calls, emails, and Facebook messages I've received over the past 24 hours, it seems like lots of other people really enjoyed the broadcast. <br />
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I thought I would share some thoughts about the concert, as well as some YouTube videos I found of my favorite selections.<br />
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- I thought the program was fantastic all-around. There was lots of variety, which is really something when you're speaking about a New Year's Concert where it's normally waltz after waltz after polka after polka... ad nauseum. Tchaikovsky was included this year, and the Vienna Boys' Choir made a couple appearances. There was a noticeable up-tic in the amount of stuff for the trombones this year, including probably my favorite piece on the program, Josef Hellmesberger's <i>Danse Diabolique</i>. This wonderful little piece, written by a former concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic, served as a great fast and furious (not to mention virtuosic) opener to the second half. And we get to play real loud. Here's a video:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HcBXdENP6bk?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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- The flowers were amazing this year. I'm sure they featured prominently in the broadcast, but in person there is the added bonus that the entire Golden Hall smells awesome!<br />
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- I've been asked by lots of people in years past, "Do you get to meet Julie Andrews?" No... she records all her little featur-ettes well in advance, and doesn't even show up at the concert. Well, apparently this year was different because I look up to the balcony in the second half, and who do I see but Maria v. Trapp herself! Pretty cool she came, though I almost missed an entrance or two looking up to see if she was enjoying herself.<br />
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- A major feature of any New Year's Concert is the Austrian attempt at 'having ze fun'. It usually involves a cleverly-titled polka and a bit of <i>schtick</i>. In my first New Year's Concert, the entire orchestra gradually exited to stage while performing Haydn's <i>Farewell Symphony. </i>The year before that, the orchestra played the <i>Sport Polka</i> while wearing soccer scarves before they were given a red card by the conductor. In 2010, it was the popping of corks and spraying of fake bubbles during the<i> Champagne Polka.</i> This year, we had two nice bits of 'ze humor', JA?? Enjoy:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gdsgKp-ku0k?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/R4qybvNfh54?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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- You might've noticed some really unique overhead shots in the broadcast. There was a new cable cam that ran diagonally from the back left corner of the hall all the way up behind the organ. Looks like it got some really cool shots... though it does draw attention to my (ever so slightly) receding hairline/high forehead.<br />
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- I realized this year that the Strauss family is not that complicated. First, you've got the DAD: Johann Senior (composed the Radetzky March and forbade his kids to go into music). Then you've got THREE SONS: Johann Junior (the Blue Danube), Josef (Waltz of the Spheres), and Eduard. Eduard did something that was apparently pretty common back in the day... he ripped off Bizet and put his most famous melodies from <i>Carmen</i> into a Quadrille. What's a quadrille, you ask? This is:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UH9fRayOYAE?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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- I was asked by a friend if it was really hot in the hall or if Jansons was just a prolific sweater. The answer is YES to both. Jansons (and funnily enough his student Andris Nelsons) both are EXTREME sweaters. They are usually dripping by the end of concerts. They are the only conductors I've ever seen go through multiple shirts in one performance. Must be a Latvian thing... <br />
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By the way, I thought <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariss_Jansons" target="_blank">Jansons</a> did a great job. He picked a really good program and conducted it very well the whole week. <br />
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- Some of you might not know that the PBS broadcast in America is only the 2nd half of the concert. My favorite waltz of the concert was on the first half, and was *gasp* NOT by the Strauss family, but rather <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Michael_Ziehrer" target="_blank">Karl Michael Ziehrer</a> (sounds like Tseerer). It's called <i>Wiener Bürger </i>(Viennese Citizens):<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/T2IeEqyzLiU?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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- My favorite polka of the concert was also on the first half. It's called <i>Entweder-Oder</i>, which means "Either-Or".<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OPxk5IwVVmk?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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- During the intermission of the live broadcast, ORF (Austrian TV) played this awesome video which features the city of Vienna and a chamber ensemble made up of VPO members. It's 23 minutes long, but nevertheless VERY HIGHLY recommended.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/td95azl-4oU?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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Thanks to everyone for all the nice comments and well-wishes you've sent me in response to the concert. Thanks for watching, and please tune in again next year. I don't know who will be playing 2nd trombone in 2013... possibly me again... but theoretically we will have a new colleague from our audition in March (replacing the retiring Karl Jeitler), and he/she would be in the rotation to play on New Year's. Guess we'll see!<br />
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I wish all of you the best in 2012. I hope it is a happy and blessed year for all BRP readers!<br />
PROSIT NEUJAHR!!!<br />
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<br /></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com3Vienna, Austria48.2081743 16.373818948.0388658 16.0579619 48.3774828 16.6896759tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-51238163106940958112011-12-28T15:08:00.004+01:002020-10-10T19:51:33.264+02:00A Curtain Call and a Master's Degree!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After spending so much time on the road between June and October of this year, I have finally had some (relatively) free time the past few weeks. I have enjoyed my break from traveling and 3-service days, albeit short-lived, which has allowed me to concentrate on more important things. I have been spending lots of quality time with Kristi and Eli and I've tried to re-introduce myself to my friends and hang out with them at least once a week.<br />
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But that definitely doesn't mean nothing's been happening on the musical side of things.<br />
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I've really enjoyed preparing for my <a href="http://backrowperspectives.blogspot.com/p/upcoming-schedule.html" target="_blank">solo events in January/February</a>. My recital repertoire has been selected, and I'm trying to polish it up to share with everyone at UW-Whitewater and Southern Miss. It looks like I'll be pulling out my alto trombone in a solo context for the first time in over 6 years! I figure it's about time to unleash some Albinoni, and it has been a blast rediscovering his <i>Concerto 9, No. 2</i>. Highly recommended.<br />
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At North Texas, I'll be performing a relatively new setting of James Kazik's <i>Concerto for Trombone</i> with the Symphonic Band under the direction of Dennis Fisher. I'm trying to memorize it, which is something I used to be really good at, but have yet to attempt as a professional solo artist. <br />
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In early November, the Staatsoper did the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Der_Ring_des_Nibelungen" target="_blank">Wagner Ring Cycle</a> under the direction of Christian Thielemann. Wow, was that fun!! As some of you know, I'm not the biggest fan of the Ring, mostly because the folks 'round here take it so flippin' seriously, (Despite its ties to ancient Norse mythology, it's not worthy of the quasi-religious weight that it is so often given here... I mean, honestly folks...we're talking about dwarves, giants, and dragons chasing after a magic ring here...) but the sheer quality of this particular cycle was enough to win me over. <br />
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No matter what one thinks of his works or his personal life, it's no secret that Wagner was a master of musical composition. Combine that with the fact that Thielemann simply conducted so well and with such spirit and clarity of musical intent that the orchestra and singers could not help but respond with world-class performances, and it's no wonder that the audience responded with some of the loudest and most enthusiastic ovations I've heard in my time here. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YVWXfINXOY/TvxwTz4nNVI/AAAAAAAAA3s/TpK0_ItppDs/s1600/IMG_1921.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YVWXfINXOY/TvxwTz4nNVI/AAAAAAAAA3s/TpK0_ItppDs/s400/IMG_1921.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pit during Götterdämmerung. I found the photo on an opera fan's blog. </td></tr>
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A very special moment for me came after we finished the last opera, Götterdämmerung. Thielemann asked us all to join him on stage to take a bow and have a real curtain-call of our own. This was something I've never seen done before, and it was very meaningful to many of us. After all, the orchestra plays a significant role in <i>Der Ring des Nibelungen</i>, and Wagner in a way treats the orchestra as its own character much of the time. In fact, one could say it's the only character (besides the ring itself) that appears in all four operas! <br />
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I've often wondered what it's like for the singers to stand behind the gigantic velvet curtain, waiting to be thrust into the spotlight to the sound of cheers (or boos) from the waiting public. It was a truly unique event as the entire orchestra huddled together behind the curtain; for me, it was my first time on the Staatsoper stage. Thielemann made sure we were all there and signaled for the curtain to be opened. We were simultaneously blinded by the bright spotlights and deafened by the roar of the approving crowd, and I must say I felt a slight lump in my throat. It feels nice to be appreciated, and it was a quite satisfying reward to feel the gratitude of the audience after such a mammoth musical undertaking. We all took several bows, and I couldn't help but smile. :) Below is a photo I found on the internets... It's quite blurry, but at least you get the idea.<br />
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Speaking of the University of North Texas (like, 5 paragraphs ago), I just graduated from there! As you may recall from a <a href="http://backrowperspectives.blogspot.com/2010/11/back-to-school.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, I decided early in 2011 to finish the final four courses required to complete the Master of Music degree that I began back in 2006 before coming to Vienna. Over the past year I completed several special long-distance projects that I was able to substitute for the remaining credits, and on December 17th I officially became an alumnus of UNT!<br />
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It feels great to have finally finished what I started, and it gives me a great deal of pride to hold a degree from the university that played such a huge role in my journey to the VPO. I owe a huge 'Thank You' to many people there, but I would like to especially express my gratitude to Prof. Vern Kagarice and Dean Warren Henry for their assistance in making this happen. Also thanks to Dean Henry for sending me these photos of the commencement program.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sztJNaa0Vbs/TvxwsKcaK6I/AAAAAAAAA30/GKtWE3V7A-U/s1600/IMG_1924.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sztJNaa0Vbs/TvxwsKcaK6I/AAAAAAAAA30/GKtWE3V7A-U/s400/IMG_1924.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm at center-stage. You can make out my trombone behind the bald guy.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHV9W7bpf3M/Tvx2AglranI/AAAAAAAAA4A/zylHxjRDuR0/s1600/Full+Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHV9W7bpf3M/Tvx2AglranI/AAAAAAAAA4A/zylHxjRDuR0/s400/Full+Cover.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZa23WDViCM/Tvx2KqtnCJI/AAAAAAAAA4I/HgTMtEOn8Ro/s1600/Name.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZa23WDViCM/Tvx2KqtnCJI/AAAAAAAAA4I/HgTMtEOn8Ro/s400/Name.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now you all know my middle name!</td></tr>
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When I visited UNT back in June, I went by the bookstore and preemptively purchased a UNT Alumni t-shirt, but didn't wear it until last week!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYoqbdJ6F_E/TvzDly3S4sI/AAAAAAAAA4c/8fmRn4oEjDk/s1600/IMG_0266.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYoqbdJ6F_E/TvzDly3S4sI/AAAAAAAAA4c/8fmRn4oEjDk/s400/IMG_0266.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now it's true!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also, in keeping with my <a href="http://backrowperspectives.blogspot.com/2011/10/flags-flags-everywhere.html" target="_blank">flag-collecting dorkiness</a>, I was able to find official (or quasi-official) university flags from both schools I've graduated from.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnA3elh6Sz8/TvzDeJ9LPAI/AAAAAAAAA4U/dYr0VnUZS_I/s1600/IMG_0256.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CnA3elh6Sz8/TvzDeJ9LPAI/AAAAAAAAA4U/dYr0VnUZS_I/s400/IMG_0256.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My alma... maters?... materi?...matero?... My schools.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Back in November, just after the Ring Cycle, I played my 500th opera performance in the Wiener Staatsoper!! It happened before I even had time to notice it was coming. That means that I'm well over 700 total performances with opera and VPO combined. That's a lot for 4-and-a-half seasons.<br />
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2011 is now almost finished, and I'll be performing on Sunday in our annual <a href="http://www.wienerphilharmoniker.at/index.php?set_language=en&cccpage=news_detail&set_z_news=841" target="_blank">New Year's Concert</a> under the baton of Mariss Jansons. It will be broadcast live to over a billion people worldwide (so they tell us), and is by far the biggest concert of the year for us. In America, it will most likely be broadcast in the afternoon/evening of January 1st <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episodes/from-vienna-the-new-year%E2%80%99s-celebration-2012/about-the-program/1219/" target="_blank">on your local PBS station</a>. Check your local listings, make sure to tune in or 'DVR it', and ring in the new year with some lively Strauss waltzes and polkas!<br />
<br /></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-60045651391265170402011-10-31T01:41:00.000+01:002011-10-31T01:45:14.575+01:00Flags! Flags, Everywhere!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Several years ago, I was listening to the radio on my way home from school, and the host of the show I was listening to mentioned that he had traveled to something like 95 different countries in his lifetime. He was talking about how dear this achievement was to him, how his experiences in those countries had truly enriched his life, and how excited he was to be closing in on a total of 100 countries visited. It's especially remarkable considering the host is not someone who travels for a living; he's not an airline pilot, a missionary, or a diplomat, and he's not in the military... he's just a radio host who enjoys traveling. <br />
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At that time in my life I had been outside the USA only twice before, once to Scandinavia for an international trombone festival, and once across the Canadian border at Niagara Falls during my honeymoon: a total of 4 countries. But as I listened to the radio personality describe some of his trips, I imagined how cool it might be to follow his example. It seemed a very adventurous, optimistic, and romantic thing to set a goal like that, and I decided I would try it.<br />
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At the time, the idea of visiting 100 countries seemed a bit ridiculous... so I set a more realistic goal for myself: <b>to visit 50 foreign countries and all 50 US states.</b><br />
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Now fast forward 6 years. We're not only living abroad in Austria, but my job is also very travel-heavy. In a relatively short time span, my grand total has jumped from 4 to <b>36 countries</b>!! <br />
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I have been very blessed with some amazing opportunities for travel since joining the Vienna Philharmonic, and my life has truly been enriched by each place I've visited. I'd like to talk more about why I enjoy traveling and why I think it's important in a later post, but right now I want to share a project I've been working on to help me keep track of (and ultimately celebrate the completion of) my travel goals.<br />
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Sorry, but this requires more backstory. I'll be as brief as possible... let's try it this way:<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Moved to Austria. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Didn't know squat about foreign countries. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Felt like ignorant American. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Felt embarrassed when meeting people from countries I had never heard of. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Decided to learn things. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Bought iPhone app. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Learned where all the countries of the world are located on a map. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Yes, still know. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Must occasionally review. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Saw 192 nations' flags outside UN building in Vienna. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Decided to learn those too. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Bought iPhone app. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Learned those, too. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Must occasionally review. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Remembered goal of 50 countries.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Decided to collect a flag for each country visited.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Realized flags are large - wall space was insufficient.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Had an idea. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Desk flags!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Needed something to display them. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Commissioned handy woodworking father to build stand.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Turned out great.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Realized I had also visited 36 US States.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Decided to do a 2nd stand.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>The End.</i></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVIIuY3e-_Vf-cGM6_YD2f-WHgWgq2073kxDx3rzFn8OqtUj7rgI79psGsZrD8L_DXaTRhQuhukUUbeI3lACQJasrK0u2pAwEqTVPL0eIbFN4diHf2m4JrIWmmQcocfJulT9bXlmQyxk/s1600/IMG_8105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVIIuY3e-_Vf-cGM6_YD2f-WHgWgq2073kxDx3rzFn8OqtUj7rgI79psGsZrD8L_DXaTRhQuhukUUbeI3lACQJasrK0u2pAwEqTVPL0eIbFN4diHf2m4JrIWmmQcocfJulT9bXlmQyxk/s400/IMG_8105.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are two stands: one for nations (front) and one for US states (rear)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Yes, this was the elegant solution I came up with. My Dad was awesome enough to spend a day fashioning two flag stands out of beautiful black walnut wood from the hills around my hometown. <br />
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Each stand has 51 places for small desk flags and will 'thusly' show my progress towards my "50/50" goal. Why 51 holes? For the 'countries' stand, I wanted to put the Stars & Stripes in the center and still have room for 50 other countries. For the 'states' stand, I have the flag of my home state (Tennessee) in the center and room for the other 49 plus the District of Columbia.<br />
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Don't they look great!?!? Well, at least I think so. It's so great to be able to look over at them when I come into my office and see that visual reminder of the great experiences I've had. And when both stands are filled to capacity, I will have achieved the goals I set 6 years ago!!<br />
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And now... some FAQ'S (Yes, I have actually been asked these questions):<br />
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<b>Q: What order are the flags in?</b><br />
A: Starting in the center and alternating out both left and right, they are in the order that I first visited each country or state. So the further you go from the center, the more recent.<br />
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<b>Q: Do you count airports as visiting a country?</b><br />
A: No. I wanted to make sure that all the flags represent an experience rather than geography, so I don't put a flag in just for flying through an airport. I don't feel that constitutes a true visit to a place. For each flag, I've actually walked around, spent the night, had a meal, etc. in that place. At the moment, the only place I've technically been to that isn't in the stand is Singapore.<br />
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<b>Q: What counts as a country?</b><br />
A: This question comes up in regard to places such as Hong Kong, which is technically owned by China. Should I count it as a separate country or not? In general, if a place has its own government, is a member of the UN, or has ever sent an athlete to the olympic games, I count it. And in most cases, if a place has its own flag, that answers the question in and of itself. The only ones that I'm a bit iffy about are the Cayman Islands (a British Overseas Territory) and the Vatican City, but for the moment they're in there.<br />
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Well, that's all for now. Hope I haven't bored you all too much. I reckon everyone's got an inner dork... I just seem to also have an outer dork who happens to like flags and traveling. :)</div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-13905667906176204342011-10-22T16:34:00.000+02:002011-10-22T16:34:09.701+02:00Australia!!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Incredible... Awe-inspiring...Beautiful...Best Trip Ever!! These are some of the words I've used to try and describe our recent tour to the 'Land Down Under'. Australia has been on my travel 'bucket list' for a long time, and it did not disappoint. My wonderful wife was able to accompany me on our first-ever voyage to the Southern Hemisphere, and she has done a fantastic job of sharing the tourist-y parts of the trip <a href="http://theviennawilsons.net/search/label/Australia">over at the Vienna Wilsons</a>. I have included several of my favorite sightseeing photos anyway.<br />
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I was originally not supposed to go on this tour at all, but due to some last minute changes in personnel I was able to tag along as a backup principal trombonist. The orchestra always takes two principal players on long-distance tours, both to avoid overtiring by spreading out the work and to have a cover player in case of illness or other extenuating circumstances. Since my contract classifies me as a 2nd trombonist, but moving up to 1st when needed, I get taken along quite often as a principal player.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What an amazing venue! Can't believe I performed here.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying out a didgeridoo... harder than it looks, even for a brass player.</td></tr>
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There wasn't that much repertoire to go around, but what I played was quite enjoyable: Schubert's <i>"Unfinished" Symphony</i>, Schumann's <i>Symphony No. 2, </i>and Mahler's beautiful song cycle <i>Des Knaben Wunderhorn</i> with fantastic soloist Matthias Goerne. Also, we did quite a bit of Johann Strauss 'Neujahr's Konzert' stuff: <i>Donauwalzer, Kaiserwalzer, </i>and <i>Unter Donner & Blitz</i> (usually for encores).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am kicking myself for not buying this hat...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you find the trombonist's head in this photo of the Pinnacles Desert??</td></tr>
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The worst part of traveling to Australia is <i>traveling to Australia. </i>Did you know that Australia is FOREVER away from Europe? We flew out of Vienna on a Sunday evening around 5PM and arrived in our hotel room in Perth at 1AM on Tuesday! Even with the time difference of 6 hours, that's a long trip...<br />
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But at least the flights were nice. I had business class seats the whole way down, which helped immensely, especially on the flight from Frankfurt to Singapore. On that plane we had seats which folded down to make pretty convincing beds. I slept for the majority of the flight, and it really helped with jet lag once we landed.<br />
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We fell in love with Australia right from the start. It's one of the few places in my life that have lived up to all my expectations, and I think it's because it's a truly authentic and unique place. You know the feeling you get on your first trip to Manhattan? The sort of "wow-I-can't-believe-I'm-here-and-it-looks-and-sounds-exactly-like-I-thought-it-would" feeling? That's the feeling I had in Australia. It's one-of-a-kind and it's exactly what I thought it would be like.<br />
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The friendly and energetic people, the amazing and unique wildlife, the gorgeous and vast landscape... it all really exists! Things like kangaroos, wild obsessions with sports, eucalyptus trees, boomerangs, and Aboriginal art are not just stuff you see in the movies. You see them everywhere you go! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A humpback whale breeches off the coast of Perth</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our whale-watching tour was definitely a highlight</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful city of Brisbane</td></tr>
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The concerts were all very well-received, especially in Sydney.
Performing in one the world's most famous buildings is something I'll
always treasure. Nevermind that the acoustics aren't fantastic... it's
the Syndey Opera House!! Who cares! It was just a joy to be there.</div>
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Now, I'm not an architecture person, but I definitely recognize greatness when I see it. The Sydney Opera House is an <i>amazing</i> building. Kristi and I spent probably an hour or more just walking around it, viewing it from every possible angle and vantage point. It does have the tremendous advantage of sitting directly on the waterfront of the beautiful Syndey Harbour, which only serves to enhance the experience.</div>
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There's not that much to say about the music, because I just didn't play that much. Conductor Christoph Eschenbach was in fine form the whole tour, which says alot because it was a long and arduous trip. The musical highlight for me was Schumann's <i>Symphony No. 2</i>. I am continually astounded by the Schumann's use of rhythm and his gift for melody. It's one of my favorite symphonies, even though the trombones don't play that much. The second movement is an absolute joy to hear in the capable hands of our string section. I recommend you look it up sometime if you don't already know it.</div>
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<br />Another transcendental musical experience came in the form of Mahler's lied <i>Urlicht</i>, which was part of the song-cycle performed by Matthias Goerne. You may know it as the 4th movement of Mahler's 2nd symphony, though in that context it's performed by an alto rather than a baritone. One of my all-time favorites, really. Again, if you don't know it, do yourself a favor and YouTube it! I'm thinking about trying out a piano and trombone version of it on my recitals this winter. We'll see how it works.<br /> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing next to me is the main reason this trip was so awesome...Kristi!</td></tr>
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Also on my list of unforgettable moments is the very last concert we
performed in Sydney. I don't know if this is just a Sydney thing or
what, but when we finished the concert, the audience proceeded to shower
the whole orchestra with red and white streamers!! They were coming
from everywhere! Kristi was in attendance that evening, and she said
that a roll of thin ticker-tape-style paper ribbon was left in each seat
during the intermission. I think she took particular delight in
hurling it at me from her seat in the choir loft. It was a very fun
way to close out our Australian experience, and we took great pleasure in reeling off one final blistering Strauss polka while buried under mounds of paper! <br />
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If you'd like to browse all our Australia photos, <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/112789815185428477825/Australia2011?authuser=0&feat=directlink"><b>CLICK HERE.</b></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unforgettable!</td></tr>
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<br /><br /></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0Vienna, Austria48.2081743 16.373818948.0388658 16.0579619 48.3774828 16.6896759tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-80318267430926955562011-10-17T10:18:00.001+02:002011-10-17T10:18:16.021+02:00I Feel Like Celebrating!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've got three big reasons to celebrate today...<br />
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First and foremost, I am very excited to announce that I have reached
the end of the year's final tour! That's right, after my busiest year
of touring ever, with a total of 22 weeks on the road, in 9 countries
on 4 continents, I will be heading home in three days. I am thrilled
and relieved beyond words to be able to say that. I've had some truly
great and rewarding experiences during my travels in 2011, but I must
say I hope I never again travel this much in one year. There will be
some upcoming posts about the current tour, which has taken us to
Australia (which was AWESOMELY AWESOME), Hong Kong, Macau, and now
Japan. Here's a sneak peek:<br />
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Secondly, I wanted to take the opportunity to announce some upcoming solo events that have been developing in recent weeks. I am honored to have been invited to be a guest artist/clinician at three wonderful universities this winter. First up will be a Trombone Day at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on January 29th, 2012; then the following weekend at the University of Southern Mississippi's Trombone Day, which will be February 3-4, 2012. A huge thanks to Mike Dugan (UWW) and Ben McIlwain (USM) for the invites! I am really looking forward to these events, which will each include a solo recital and masterclass(es). Just after the USM event, I'll head back to my (soon to be) alma mater, the University of North Texas, where I will be performing a concerto with the UNT Symphonic Band and giving some masterclasses (stay tuned for more info). As I found out back in June at the International Trombone Festival, I get such a kick out of solo playing, and I feel very blessed that the opportunities keep coming. <br />
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These places will not know what hit em'!</div>
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And lastly, I just realized yesterday that I missed the <b>1-year anniversary</b> of Back Row Perspectives! It's now been over a year since my first post, and I have to say I'm pretty proud of myself for sticking with this. There was a part of me that thought I would give up, but I have been so encouraged by the feedback from BRP readers that I found the motivation to keep posting. I know I often comment to many of you that I just post this stuff for my own enjoyment and to preserve my memories (which I do), but it is also nice to think other people are somewhat interested in it as well. As of today, the blog has over 15,000 views from two-dozen different countries, including places I've never been before! I'm lookin' at you, Bulgaria and Norway!!<br />
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I hope to someday visit these BRP-lovin' countries! </div>
<br />
So that's what I'm happy about today! I made it a year without giving up on the blog, I'm gonna get to hug on my sugar booger and my li'l turkey buzzard in a couple days (yes, those are actual nicknames of my wife and child), and now I get to start preparing some solo works for my concerts in January/February! <br />
<br />
There are some good things coming up in the orchestra as well: Wagner's Ring Cycle with Christian Thielemann and Brahms' German Requiem with Danielle Gatti. Keep your eyes peeled for full reports.<br />
<br /></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-8569613600031239532011-09-25T15:22:00.000+02:002011-09-25T15:22:24.942+02:00SKF in China *gong sound*<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, it's been great to be back
home... for a couple weeks at least. Kristi and I are heading out
today for Australia! Yes, the Wilsons are about to invade the land
down under as part of a VPO tour that will also include stops in Hong
Kong, Macau, and Japan.</span></span> I'll be gone for about 4 weeks,
but Kristi will be with me for the Australia portion of the tour. My
parents have (graciously) agreed to watch Eli while we're away.<br />
<br />
I am planning to do a tour journal much like <a href="http://backrowperspectives.blogspot.com/2011_03_01_archive.html">I did back in February/March</a>, so keep your eyes peeled for photos and stories from my first ever experience in the Southern Hemisphere!<br />
<br />
In
the meantime, here are some photos from the last part of the Saito
Kinen Festival, a two-week tour in Beijing and Shanghai. Not much
happened there... mostly just hanging out in between orchestra
rehearsals and performances... so I think the photos will give you a
good picture of what it was like. The one thing I would say is that I
really enjoyed getting to know the other musicians in the orchestra. It
was also very cool to experience an orchestra besides the VPO. It
taught me alot.<br />
<br />
Catch you on the flip side... of the world!!! Wow. I'm such a dork.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beijing: the air quality capital of the world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y9fB0zTTjzKUvxjCRv7Q-nDaI640AimCqIUemVefjAQDA0h2qVTZq4JnfwSOCWSjPkbf_vzFjP1i3W9hL-6GVAMP2UUetOJQYjAvU2apB9KrK2NcMUvg0u3QFGg9AxOZbtCzj9VvXMs/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y9fB0zTTjzKUvxjCRv7Q-nDaI640AimCqIUemVefjAQDA0h2qVTZq4JnfwSOCWSjPkbf_vzFjP1i3W9hL-6GVAMP2UUetOJQYjAvU2apB9KrK2NcMUvg0u3QFGg9AxOZbtCzj9VvXMs/s400/IMG_0612.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a difference a day makes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Randy outside the Performing Arts Center in Beijing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CCTV Building in Beijing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFzO1caQTqcjPPte3RlVGFywnnEuckLbc0GtPgABl3h8DkKP9MLehBE6_UsJAO4AlwKxvHaYKOsh7kX9Eh3q1OBUbD95uAcsRGu3Y7-yNIAWt_E4vc8odD66_pyl9FWPeuYvj5yVHUMg/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFzO1caQTqcjPPte3RlVGFywnnEuckLbc0GtPgABl3h8DkKP9MLehBE6_UsJAO4AlwKxvHaYKOsh7kX9Eh3q1OBUbD95uAcsRGu3Y7-yNIAWt_E4vc8odD66_pyl9FWPeuYvj5yVHUMg/s400/IMG_0639.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my hotel room in Shanghai...very different from Beijing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFS_oh4rtv9VZb9V10EybKbSsP6do1TFTTFNm7V5Iy5IltV-i0gosAmjSMaLNsSSpwUXxu1wE1pTKlLRjaSV1JqQUTQ2DMW8vby02sHR5cvjt-IWvSI7ZO0nKHzpf2331FodD-FuXeYfg/s1600/IMG_0645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFS_oh4rtv9VZb9V10EybKbSsP6do1TFTTFNm7V5Iy5IltV-i0gosAmjSMaLNsSSpwUXxu1wE1pTKlLRjaSV1JqQUTQ2DMW8vby02sHR5cvjt-IWvSI7ZO0nKHzpf2331FodD-FuXeYfg/s400/IMG_0645.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two tallest buildings in China... for now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100 floors up at the world's tallest observatory</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvnpuFjJmug7qBPjBAY9C_CUBscFJv01tuG0bLsp8kgfSMsjHUWpLoP_Suz8hJTECDXuXFBi_L_SAmytGTFHBRNlFWW9jg_KENujPy0ExdGhH-5qMxmEwZGiagfRoMVKmOcvEnJCuynE/s1600/IMG_0666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvnpuFjJmug7qBPjBAY9C_CUBscFJv01tuG0bLsp8kgfSMsjHUWpLoP_Suz8hJTECDXuXFBi_L_SAmytGTFHBRNlFWW9jg_KENujPy0ExdGhH-5qMxmEwZGiagfRoMVKmOcvEnJCuynE/s400/IMG_0666.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking DOWN on the Jin Mao Tower = creepy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0pn-Dgc6wT-95h2lgq_3ZUAgmOjRfxhOfHOvQ2SDQf5I7pWKgyD7NkJv628RNlGJL7dmepAL0SneOOelLBAtIh6KRx4YcsNWEnFhy6S1jJlWG5UoaM44r-PEvenwtTVFmRP0PAvdpF8/s1600/IMG_0665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0pn-Dgc6wT-95h2lgq_3ZUAgmOjRfxhOfHOvQ2SDQf5I7pWKgyD7NkJv628RNlGJL7dmepAL0SneOOelLBAtIh6KRx4YcsNWEnFhy6S1jJlWG5UoaM44r-PEvenwtTVFmRP0PAvdpF8/s400/IMG_0665.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Oriental Pearl Tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIe4PbJk-g2auhgR5sMLFntOuFYtU_3-SdxJErus3tR7X8otPkBmTIpnz9wtZxOdov83A14Gm6i-G4pWhaiCsbhRglbFmy_wyQjjqk10S56AXEVidX8-ZdoHm7YSytePvy6eJsCeSmEk/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIe4PbJk-g2auhgR5sMLFntOuFYtU_3-SdxJErus3tR7X8otPkBmTIpnz9wtZxOdov83A14Gm6i-G4pWhaiCsbhRglbFmy_wyQjjqk10S56AXEVidX8-ZdoHm7YSytePvy6eJsCeSmEk/s400/IMG_0671.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Think there are enough apartment complexes??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHz32c9tbV5_eBwknMPFwDa7RmR6JjQAohF_LDfUQUfKCg9i-tj2jGR2k_JyqzSiB3gKYktUWtR-BoAdF_paQ1Mg-ZatFazCsAS2xGnbVxpkDfcZ7p95aP5n9dElkgg4QuZB8kwu4oFc/s1600/IMG_0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHz32c9tbV5_eBwknMPFwDa7RmR6JjQAohF_LDfUQUfKCg9i-tj2jGR2k_JyqzSiB3gKYktUWtR-BoAdF_paQ1Mg-ZatFazCsAS2xGnbVxpkDfcZ7p95aP5n9dElkgg4QuZB8kwu4oFc/s400/IMG_0667.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do not envy these guys' jobs.</td></tr>
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<br />Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0Vienna, Austria48.2081743 16.373818948.0388658 16.0579619 48.3774828 16.6896759tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-18120440073200636782011-08-28T16:43:00.000+02:002011-08-28T16:43:48.974+02:00Matsumoto Wrap-Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Saito Kinen Festival Orchestra gave this year's final concert in Matsumoto this afternoon, and boy was it a good 'un! As I've mentioned in previous posts, the best part of this whole experience has been the music, as it should be. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
The festival started out with lots of rehearsals, sometimes for 5 and 6 hours at a time. In fact, the entire first week I was here was nothing but rehearsals. I suppose they just want the orchestra to sound polished, which is not at all guaranteed when you assemble an orchestra with personnel that have never really played together. Plus there's the pressure of having everything recorded for national broadcast and an eventual DVD/CD release. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
All that rehearsing definitely payed off, because the orchestra performed both <i>Miraculous Mandarin</i> and <i>Bluebeard's Castle</i> really well. I had never performed the full-length ballet version of <i>Mandarin </i>before, just the concert suite with the VPO back in March, and it was really interesting to hear and play the eerie conclusion to what is probably my favorite Bartók piece. And what fun it is to play! John Engelkes, bass trombonist in the San Francisco Symphony, played beautifully in all his big solos. There are quite a few trombone features (Bartók makes liberal use of glissandi to symbolize sensuality) and I had a blast performing them alongside John as well as Koichi Inoue, a fine freelance player from Tokyo.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkv7ng9zY2BjjUYBJ2nksxrj_3lghZhc_qDUrpOSDhxsLNiKjqDgs7y4wqk74fnwdUxspl0uQq9Ar-ncxSnQVxdM15I6C6UIdspbEfgHsAmqFgggU2XbYZswO6PitOjQkp9hBgHujeJYQ/s1600/IMG_0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkv7ng9zY2BjjUYBJ2nksxrj_3lghZhc_qDUrpOSDhxsLNiKjqDgs7y4wqk74fnwdUxspl0uQq9Ar-ncxSnQVxdM15I6C6UIdspbEfgHsAmqFgggU2XbYZswO6PitOjQkp9hBgHujeJYQ/s400/IMG_0583.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The section for <i>Bluebeard </i>and <i>Mandarin</i>. Shin, me, Mayumi, Koichi, and John</td></tr>
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If there's one thing I've learned from 4 years in the VPO, it's that there is PLENTY of mind-blowingly beautiful music that involves the trombones very little, or not at all. <i>Bluebeard's Castle</i> is a fine example. Bartók's writing is truly masterful, with great themes, drama, and a great variety of colors and sounds to complement the bizarre storyline. It was truly a joy to 'sit through' all four performances here in Matsumoto.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
The opera/ballet production was made even more special on opening night when the festival's director, Seiji Ozawa, began the evening by conducting the strings in an emotional tribute to the victims of the March 11th earthquakes and tsunami. The piece was Bach's famous <i>Aria </i>(known to many as <i>Air on a G String</i>), and Maestro Ozawa shaped it so masterfully that many in the orchestra consider it the musical highlight of the festival. As I sat with my eyes closed and soaked it all it, I couldn't help but replay in my mind the terrible images of the utter devastation from March, and was more than a little surprised to find that when I opened my eyes my vision was blurry with tears. I was certainly not alone in that. It made me proud in that moment to be sitting amongst the proud Japanese people and to be participating in some miniscule way in helping to return life back to normal after such an enormous national tragedy.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We were all shocked to find out upon arriving at the opera house for the 2nd performance that Ozawa had developed a serious case of pneumonia and was being hospitalized. He has been in bad health for some time now, especially following a bout with esophageal cancer a couple years ago, but his youthful demeanor and energy in rehearsals made it seem he was perfectly fine. The assistant conductor had to step in with a grand total of 'zero' rehearsals under his belt. <i>Bluebeard</i> is not an easy opera to conduct, but with the orchestra and singers rallying behind him, he did a fantastic job. Seiji was eventually able to return for the final performance and was rewarded for his efforts with a massive reception from orchestra and audience alike. It was a really special moment to see him bounding up on stage for curtain call after having been so ill just a few days before. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For the orchestra concert side of things, the program is Tchaikovsky with a bit of Bartók thrown in for good measure. I am having so much fun playing with this section, which consists of Massimo La Rosa (principal trombonist, Cleveland Orchestra), Randy Hawes (bass trombone, Detroit Symphony), and Yasuhito Sugiyama (tuba, Cleveland Orchestra). I've known of all three of these guys for a long time, and it's so great to get to perform with them. We mesh really well, and everything is SO easy. Guess that's how it's supposed to be. Plus, they're all great guys. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR84GwVtIAAmcvEtdi3jNJSvG0jjGePf5L8uVZR-JmMS5Gur2VJrmQ8qCZ-XGof8IVV0sz6Wdn9br721vb6XLaOMzl6Io5j_D1RDdeZBOg_4jE62NIlvlYsOD5wroO6lhiLlvYxNtG3LM/s1600/IMG_0589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR84GwVtIAAmcvEtdi3jNJSvG0jjGePf5L8uVZR-JmMS5Gur2VJrmQ8qCZ-XGof8IVV0sz6Wdn9br721vb6XLaOMzl6Io5j_D1RDdeZBOg_4jE62NIlvlYsOD5wroO6lhiLlvYxNtG3LM/s400/IMG_0589.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SKO 2011 section: Massimo, me, Randy, and Yasuhito</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The program begins with one of my favorite Tchaikovsky works, <i>Overture and Fantasy from Romeo and Juliet</i>. Say what you want about 'Tchaik', but that guy could write some melodies. We've had two concerts so far, and the soloists have been fantastic every time, especially the woodwinds and horn (Neil Deland, Toronto Symphony). Second on the program is Bartók's <i>Piano Concerto No. 3</i>, another delight that came out of nowhere and has instantly become a new favorite, especially the gorgeous 2nd movement. Who knew he wrote anything besides <i>Concerto for Orchestra</i>? I'm embarrassed to say my knowledge of Bartók repertoire has been tripled at this festival! The concert finishes with a spirited and energetic<i> </i>version of Tchaikovsky's <i>Symphony No. 4</i>, a piece I've wanted to play for a long time. The brass section is let loose, indeed encouraged, by the talented young Venezuelan conductor Diego Matheuz, and we certainly take advantage of that freedom... tastefully and musically, of course. :) I have immensely enjoyed the orchestra programs so far, and can't wait to perform another couple times in China. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On that note, I'll sign off for today. Look for updates from Beijing and Shanghai in the next few days!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
PS - After the last concert on Sunday evening, the festival threw a big farewell party. The spread was amazing, but the thing I will always remember is the GIANT tuna that was wheeled in during the festivities. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what happens when you tell a piccolo player to make a funny face...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The crowd gathered 'round as a sushi chef expertly sliced and diced the mammoth fish to feed the multitudes. CRAZY! Only in Japan, I guess. And no, I did not partake.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-13855740605107814432011-08-27T13:48:00.005+02:002011-08-27T15:05:45.996+02:00Domo Matsumoto (Mr. Roboto?)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tomorrow is my last day here in Matsumoto, Japan, and I must say I am eager for a change of scenery. By the time we leave for China on Monday, I will have been here in the same town, with the same hotel room and same basic routine, for 18 days. That's a long time by my touring standards, and it's been exacerbated (5 syllables, <i>whaaat?</i>) by the unfortunate fact that I'm here alone. I REALLY wish I had been able to bring Kristi and Eli. It was just too much after six weeks in America followed by two weeks in Salzburg. Our little man needed some time at home with his normal routine, and it would've been torture on all of us to try living in a hotel room for 4 weeks in Japan. As it turned out, they've been <a href="http://theviennawilsons.net/">keeping busy with all sorts of fun stuff</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Though I don't think I ever want to commit to something this lengthy ever again (without my family accompanying me), there have been some great things about the experience, which I'd love to share with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First, a bit about Matsumoto itself. It's not what I would consider a beautiful town, though I can't say I would consider any of the large cities of Japan to be particularly attractive. I'm not a fan of the modern architecture, the crowded narrow buildings, or the whole industrial/business look of it all. That said, there are some quite nice things about the town. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMGmBsA-IetOw1kfwxy7lfNBh2LBRzR2zODT5gR_65GehWa2YI1XwtRYIpC5atx348pTEX_BUFIDxitIw4Otif73cwMZQNjtOxQWwa_GjXXcZ5EzwrT9qFbIIi1kMQV75MsdrLGPZaXk/s1600/IMG_0567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMGmBsA-IetOw1kfwxy7lfNBh2LBRzR2zODT5gR_65GehWa2YI1XwtRYIpC5atx348pTEX_BUFIDxitIw4Otif73cwMZQNjtOxQWwa_GjXXcZ5EzwrT9qFbIIi1kMQV75MsdrLGPZaXk/s400/IMG_0567.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's no denying the surroundings are breathtaking. It reminds me a lot of Upper Austria, with the lush rolling hills on the outskirts of town and the snow-capped mountains beyond that. In fact, the whole atmosphere of the place is surprisingly similar to Salzburg, which is where I would be right now had I not come here. Much like the Salzburger Festspiele, the Saito Kinen Festival takes over the city every summer. Everywhere you look there are SKF banners, posters, or t-shirts, and I am frequently stopped all over town by music 'fans' when wearing my festival staff shirt. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Looks a lot like Salzburg</span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbuDVN2vyzYlTleifJt1kf7UYDbXfaPVbNd1OS_bW1rBqt1aQwL2BjNvUX1W1JDBn4rDTP3duOfcA3AmmaCj3vmfdFVYOJD0TUGEHuKwwJEQVX75fFoFMVL9dqFvwrdynezH6jCwWYiM/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbuDVN2vyzYlTleifJt1kf7UYDbXfaPVbNd1OS_bW1rBqt1aQwL2BjNvUX1W1JDBn4rDTP3duOfcA3AmmaCj3vmfdFVYOJD0TUGEHuKwwJEQVX75fFoFMVL9dqFvwrdynezH6jCwWYiM/s400/IMG_0563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbherY5Br4Yw26a-iJENhShA1R_T3XE9Q_mUGN2XVi6fBJDMtdE9HZ5P0UVYqZSLoJBw7GVsI47gmGuJWF_OWtJepiw6QcwYIvD9y1y-Rw0oR_afhzQ2WQvboXAei_tsx4iKxNqlaNKw/s1600/IMG_0579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbherY5Br4Yw26a-iJENhShA1R_T3XE9Q_mUGN2XVi6fBJDMtdE9HZ5P0UVYqZSLoJBw7GVsI47gmGuJWF_OWtJepiw6QcwYIvD9y1y-Rw0oR_afhzQ2WQvboXAei_tsx4iKxNqlaNKw/s400/IMG_0579.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are SKF banners everywhere!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">VPO bass trombonist Hans Ströcker has done this festival a lot, and he told me the food here was great. Boy, was he right! And much to the detriment of my waistline! Of course, no matter how good the restaurants are, I can't eat out every meal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Enter the wonder that is the Japanese Convenience Store! It is amazing to me how well one can eat by just taking a visit to the corner market. In the US, about the best you can do is a Slim Jim and a Yoohoo. Here, there are many more fresh and somewhat healthy options. My favorite is called onigiri, a triangle of rice wrapped in seaweed and filled with one of a few various substances (tuna, salmon, etc.).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWXay7UzIdQ2H-jAkpytcVtxHgmWbf7acFE0lrrcm7j2LvWyFrSKhGPDmg_CbziX102d2in4NWy-eeCQeAn_mZWmmp16B030eYbXwhNBiZMLpzLBF9HtciH8AsikD9sE_93QxxVJSlHk/s1600/miyajima-osaka-mt-koya-693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWXay7UzIdQ2H-jAkpytcVtxHgmWbf7acFE0lrrcm7j2LvWyFrSKhGPDmg_CbziX102d2in4NWy-eeCQeAn_mZWmmp16B030eYbXwhNBiZMLpzLBF9HtciH8AsikD9sE_93QxxVJSlHk/s400/miyajima-osaka-mt-koya-693.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An example of onigiri</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can also get really high-quality sandwiches and other prepared pastas, noodles, and sushi. I have been eating about one meal a day from the convenience store just down from the hotel called Lawson Station.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnUxwE86-iC8lScE1PPhybFup7_oofcIr79Az4LhUv0ROTj0WxWXMjZ0NzzKfU59jkobgPouAN_6ALiGgwDMxO0-8jAEGCkw05liDkcdfWO4fpVODXVc4SObGX4xEqzTzWX7TsVCMRyc/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnUxwE86-iC8lScE1PPhybFup7_oofcIr79Az4LhUv0ROTj0WxWXMjZ0NzzKfU59jkobgPouAN_6ALiGgwDMxO0-8jAEGCkw05liDkcdfWO4fpVODXVc4SObGX4xEqzTzWX7TsVCMRyc/s400/IMG_0580.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">'My' convenience store, with the Hotel Buena Vista in the background</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One day this week we had two orchestra rehearsals back-to-back, which didn't leave much time to get lunch in between. So the good SKF folks organized a "Soba Party"!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUFcFj72BLk2PZmaKPz4aGQ9AC2hQDoOXMGVCe2wZ_nFk3-_VBP1ptC6Fd6wgssgKC-h2pXtOB1Y-3eZR0IWEpkAl5lUnEHYfLeLnlnma7Nx_ixNW8LPiCyfewCkWYn2kOekoUZMCa1Q/s1600/IMG_0099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUFcFj72BLk2PZmaKPz4aGQ9AC2hQDoOXMGVCe2wZ_nFk3-_VBP1ptC6Fd6wgssgKC-h2pXtOB1Y-3eZR0IWEpkAl5lUnEHYfLeLnlnma7Nx_ixNW8LPiCyfewCkWYn2kOekoUZMCa1Q/s400/IMG_0099.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Soba noodles are served cold and dipped in a bowl of soy-based broth. They are traditionally made from buckwheat (which is what the word 'soba' means), and supposedly the most famous soba area is just up the road in Nagano. SKF invited several soba makers to come provide the noodles for our party. They all lined up their big boiling kettles under the awning of the performance hall, and cooked MASSIVE quantities of noodles, which were then poured into colanders and rapidly cooled in a big vat of ice water. Then each maker piled up their noodles on these big circular wicker mats and everyone gathered 'round the tables with their individual bowls of broth.</span><br />
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooling off the soba noodles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was a little unsure of the 'procedure', but after watching some of the Japanese folks do it, I caught on. I dug my chopsticks into a big pile of soba, grabbed a big chunk, and dipped it in my broth. I enjoyed so much delicious buckwheat pasta that I nearly couldn't play in the afternoon rehearsal!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGu2sP712BNG2keGhgzkSCwDVHQMv3tKGTjFDY54-wUlk8Syz_tQu-Jh2oJUGaA7w92ZX5ngLKCU_8765OWNKHXsjgxI63xKol4X80zWrWzOZCPhDkeg9M-1BR38MubufuVLzeyQRz9k/s1600/IMG_0101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGu2sP712BNG2keGhgzkSCwDVHQMv3tKGTjFDY54-wUlk8Syz_tQu-Jh2oJUGaA7w92ZX5ngLKCU_8765OWNKHXsjgxI63xKol4X80zWrWzOZCPhDkeg9M-1BR38MubufuVLzeyQRz9k/s400/IMG_0101.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The whole vibe reminded me a lot of the huge company picnics I attended as a kid when my Dad worked for a Japanese company. There was loud 90's American rock music, swimming pools filled with bottled drinks, and even a shaved ice stand in the corner (I had the blue flavor). All that was missing was a dunking booth in the corner. And besides the soba, there was fried rice, tempura, yakitori bbq skewers, and crepes. Yes, crepes! It was a great time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The best part of the SKF by far has been the music and the people. More on that in the next post!</span></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan36.2380381 137.9720340999999736.0530881 137.68189309999997 36.4229881 138.26217509999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-52917321452050553602011-08-12T00:55:00.000+02:002011-08-12T00:55:26.936+02:00Where Exactly Have You Been, Young Man??<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have officially been chastised by at least 5 Back Row Perspectives readers for not posting in so long. On the positive side, I guess that means that there are at least 5 people that read this thing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well, I have some good reasons, though it's not like nothing has happened since late June. After the wonderful experiences of my solo tour in Texas and Tennessee (more on that later) and some great quality time with my family during the month of July (more on that at <a href="http://theviennawilsons.net/">The Vienna Wilsons</a>), I dove straight into my fourth Salzburger Festspiel, playing almost every call for two weeks (more on that later, too). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now I'm here in the middle of the Japanese Alps in a town called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsumoto,_Nagano">Matsumoto</a>. It's south of Nagano (site of the 1998 winter olympics) and is the home of the Saito Kinen Festival, which is the reason I'm here. I was invited by Seiji Ozawa to perform in both the opera and orchestra portions of this year's festival. I'll be playing 1st trombone in the opera, where our repertoire will be Bartok's opera <i>Bluebeard's Castle</i> and <i>Miraculous Mandarin</i> ballet. In the orchestra, I'll be playing 2nd trombone on Tchaikovsky's <i>Symphony No. 4</i> and <i>Romeo and Juliet Overture. </i>After about 20 days here in Matsumoto, the festival goes on tour to Beijing and Shanghai. Definitely looking forward to that. I have really enjoyed China in my previous trips, but I've never spent as long in China as the 12 days the SKF will be there. We'll see how that turns out.<i><br />
</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's been a crazy few weeks, going rapidly from one mode to another, and I am ready to be in one place for a little while. The absolute worst part is being away from Kristi and Eli for 4 weeks. I had originally planned on bringing them along, but Kristi and I decided against it, mostly due to the fact that we've already been on the road so much this Summer. It would've been cruel and unusual punishment to stick Eli in a hotel room in Japan/China for four weeks after all that. In the end, we decided to put Eli's interests above our own (welcome to adulthood, I guess) and have them stay in Austria. On the bright side, my mother-in-law Sherrye is there with Kristi and Eli while I'm gone. Makes me feel better when they're not alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Getting here was relatively easy in spite of my two-hour flight delay out of Vienna. Once I landed at Narita airport I was picked up by a<i> </i>SKF van and driven 5 hours to Matsumoto, arriving in the late afternoon. The area is beautiful, with lush, green mountains surrounding the town and a couple pristine lakes in the area. I hope to explore Matsumoto while I'm here. There's supposed to be an impressive castle just north of the hotel. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdwN0ZA7pHxqVquo0Tz6fTLJ3Zp4eV-grldt5AdxDo8OKsH9w1oD4xIxm63rS8DUXuddS75jMEiFujXXpFruVbrk9tgSdmk2Q4ds9CI7fqhx-CM6THMDGR7cCtuagI8rfwyJafeE97Lg/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdwN0ZA7pHxqVquo0Tz6fTLJ3Zp4eV-grldt5AdxDo8OKsH9w1oD4xIxm63rS8DUXuddS75jMEiFujXXpFruVbrk9tgSdmk2Q4ds9CI7fqhx-CM6THMDGR7cCtuagI8rfwyJafeE97Lg/s400/IMG_0552.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The view of Matsumoto from my hotel window</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's really hot and humid here, though not quite as bad as the stifling Tennessee/Mississippi heat and humidity we experienced a month ago. My poor body doesn't know what season it is anymore. In three weeks, I've gone from 100 degrees in the US, to 59 degrees and rainy in Salzburg, and back to 90 degrees in Japan. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm trying to get out and walk as much as possible, mostly because I need to lose some weight ASAP. Six weeks in the US was not friendly to my waistline, and not just because of the food. Actually, I was more disciplined and reserved with my eating than I've been in a long time. It's mostly due to the fact that I was basically on vacation for 6 WEEKS! Once my solo tour was finished, I didn't do ANYTHING besides lay around and have quality time with family and friends. So I'm hoping to maybe get out and get some exercise while I'm here. We'll see.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My first rehearsal was yesterday afternoon... a 7-hour one. Which was not great for my jet lag, except that it forced me to stay up later than I probably would have. The orchestra sounds good, and I've already met lots of nice and interesting people. It feels a little weird to perform with a different orchestra, but that was part of my reason for coming. I am already learning a lot and gaining a better perspective of what the VPO is good at and/or not so good at. As far as the trombone section goes, we're still getting to know each other and feeling each other out. But I think it will be a good-sounding group when it's all said and done. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stay tuned for more updates on various subjects!</span></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-83561611061006171462011-06-28T07:11:00.000+02:002011-06-28T07:11:07.668+02:00Officially On Vacation!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I earned it! WOW! For the first time in several months, I can completely relax. No more projects, concerts, or lectures for a while. The VPO and State Opera are closed for three weeks. All I have to do is enjoy the rest of our time in the USA. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The trip has already been a roller-coaster of emotion and experience. It began early in the month with the sad news of my grandmother's passing, which triggered a very hasty packing job and flight home for the funeral. The silver lining to this tragedy was that because we were already planning on being here for all my trombone-related events, it became simply a matter of moving our flights up three days. Kristi and Eli were able to come with me so the whole family was together during that difficult time. At any other time, I most likely would've come alone, and probably for just a day or two.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After saying goodbye to Granny, I found it actually quite therapeutic to dive into my music for all the events leading up to the International Trombone Festival in Nashville. I traveled to Texas and back again, performing 5 concerts and 4 lectures in a little over a week, and I had the absolute best experience I could've hoped for! I learned alot, had fun, and got to make music with some friends old and new. There will be posts on each concert individually once I can collect the pertinent photos and recordings to share with you.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPd226Rxddj0gmSJChsVYPtHfAfBHGBcBss1DhHSGUOx4oOhjyvulMzP6pcFKtQ68WrT4gfoRj_qkPfyDXNvMFmdWZYwHQWXIcBAFfZCLXJpQX_755AeVI2jGfrhdszUf0Aii0uLCgHk/s1600/var+June2011+126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPd226Rxddj0gmSJChsVYPtHfAfBHGBcBss1DhHSGUOx4oOhjyvulMzP6pcFKtQ68WrT4gfoRj_qkPfyDXNvMFmdWZYwHQWXIcBAFfZCLXJpQX_755AeVI2jGfrhdszUf0Aii0uLCgHk/s400/var+June2011+126.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But until that point, I hope it suffices to say that the past two weeks have changed me as a person and as a performer, and definitely for the better. I have met some unbelievable people that I'm sure will prove to be great friends in the future, and I have now discovered a new and interesting (and sometimes frightening) aspect of my career: the solo artist. I have learned lessons and felt emotions recently that I could only experience by 'getting out there and doing it', so I'm really glad I did.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Anyway, here are a couple YouTube videos to whet your appetite. They both come from my recital on June 17th at the University of Texas, Arlington. Enjoy! I know I did!</span><br />
</div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyOy4J9EnzI"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Joseph Spaniola - <i>Crossroads</i></span></a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="337" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uyOy4J9EnzI?rel=0" width="540"></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_iZRpVK4-U"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jacques Casterede - <i>Sonatine</i></span></a><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="337" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z_iZRpVK4-U?rel=0" width="540"></iframe></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-15341357245335423222011-06-01T16:50:00.002+02:002011-06-01T16:50:46.503+02:00A Fat Guy in a Speedo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a phrase I recently learned from a new friend, and it’s also what it feels like to play bass trumpet! It feels very much like I would imagine a fat guy in a Speedo would feel. And by that, I mean that it feels totally out of place & completely uncomfortable. I know, I know. I could’ve used the “duck out of water” analogy, but the Speedo analogy also conveys the feeling of ‘squeezing’ into a smaller and more squirrelly instrument and ‘baring it all’ in front of your co-workers.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I don’t know if I’ve ever written on the blog about this, but in my opera contract it says that I am obligated to play bass trumpet when needed. Of course, the two principal players, Ian Bousfield and Dietmar Küblböck, are usually the ones to take on this task. But every now and then circumstances dictate that I need to pick up this odd little hybrid instrument and earn my keep. </span> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The bass trumpet, for those who haven’t had the pleasure of being introduced, is just what it sounds like… a large trumpet that plays in generally the same range as a trombone and uses a trombone-sized mouthpiece. It is seldom used, but it has a really interesting timbre that fits well with Germanic music especially. You’ll hear it in Richard Strauss’ operas, even in the <i>Rite of Spring</i>, but it’s most famous for its important role in the Ring Cycle. Wagner uses the bass trumpet in all four Ring operas as a very prominent solo voice, often to proclaim one of the many famous leitmotifs for which Wagner is so known. It was in this context that I sat down to perform on the bass trumpet just a few weeks ago. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In my four seasons with the orchestra, I have been called on to play the bass trumpet a handful of times, but never for anything that was really that important. I’ve done <i>Rite of Spring</i> and <i>Elektra </i>lots, as well as one Lorin Maazel’s own compositions, but none of those have been at the Vienna State Opera, and more importantly, I had never done any of the Ring stuff. </span> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Back in March, though, one of the principal players needed to be free during a performance of <i>Siegfried</i> and called me to ask if I would mind playing bass trumpet for it. Sure thing! Why not? There was a rehearsal scheduled for it anyway, so I knew I would get some runs of the tricky spots before the performance came. I took a bass trumpet home (the opera owns a couple of them) and practiced as much as I could stand, and I felt confident and ready for rehearsal.</span> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Then two days before rehearsal, the conductor fell ill and had to be taken to hospital. Horrible, right? I mean, for him of course, but mostly for me! :) The rehearsal for <i>Siegfried</i> was changed to a rehearsal for <i>Das Rheingold</i>, presumably because the replacement conductor didn’t know it as well. Suddenly, I was slated to perform a Ring opera for the first time <i>without any rehearsal</i>. </span> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The night of the performance came, and it felt just like my first night four years ago. Excessive sweating? Check. Shaky hands? Check. Dry mouth? Not yet…wait...the lights are going down… Check! Oh, no! This is not gonna be good.</span> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, I might be overstating it a little bit. I <i>was</i> nervous, though. After all this time of learning how to be comfortable in my own skin in an orchestra of this caliber, I felt weirdly out of place and over my head sitting one row closer to the conductor with a foreign piece of tubing in my hand.</span> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It went better than expected. I was surprised to hear myself belting out the various solos with relative confidence, although I struggled a couple of times when coming out of a long rest. My chops kept falling into a classic bass trumpet trap: attempting to play B-flat overtones on an instrument in C. After sitting for 15 minutes without playing a single note, I would try to bust out a sword-motif and undershoot the first note or two. But, all things considered, I was pleased with how it went. The real torture was just feeling so odd and uncomfortable for the whole <b>5-HOUR</b> Wagner extravaganza. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Like a fat guy in a Speedo…</span> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PS - Thanks to my new friend from the SFS for the new phrase! </span></div></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-16615986837777794822011-05-30T13:19:00.000+02:002011-05-30T13:19:32.914+02:00Coming to a Town Near You!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I posted some time ago, I’ve had the great honor of being invited to be a guest artist at this year’s <a href="http://www.trombonefestival.tedwebdesign.com/index.php?festival=2011">International Trombone Festival</a>. Yes, such a thing does exist. In fact, they’ve had 39 of ‘em, and for this special 40th anniversary festival, the ITA has decided to return to my quasi-hometown of Nashville, Tennessee! I’m super excited to have this major trombone event in my neck of the woods, and I can’t wait to hear all the great things that have been planned. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">All the events will be held on the campus of Vanderbilt University, except for a special concert in which Joseph Alessi will premier a new trombone concerto with the Nashville Symphony in the Schermerhorn Center.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In preparation for my appearance at the ITF, which will include a solo recital and a masterclass, I will be giving four other recitals; two in North Texas and two in Middle Tennessee.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I will be visiting the campus of the University of North Texas from June 15th – 18th. There I will be rehearsing with my accompanist for the ITF, Natasha Sukhina, and we will perform a concert on the evening of the 16th. While I’m there, I’ll also have the chance to sit down with some of my professors to continue working towards my goal of finishing my Masters degree from UNT. On the 17th, I’ve been invited to give another solo concert at the University of Texas, Arlington. Thanks in advance to Vern Kagarice and Dennis Bubert for the chance to play and for organizing everything. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Natasha and I will then fly to Tennessee to perform a concert in my hometown of McMinnville, which is something I’ve wanted to do for years. That will be in the afternoon of June 19th. The next day I have the chance to do one last concert and masterclass at the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts, on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University. The trombone instructor there, David Loucky, was my instructor when I attended the GSFTA in 1998! David has been kind enough to organize an evening recital for the entire school, which is hundreds of 11th and 12th-graders. I am very excited and honored to be able to share music with the students and hopefully inspire them. After all, I was sitting right where they sit not that long ago (although 13 years sounds long, now that I think about it…).</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anyway, just wanted to post this announcement so folks in my two favorite regions could save the dates and begin to get the word out! All the concerts will be free admission.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check the <a href="http://backrowperspectives.blogspot.com/p/upcoming-schedule.html">“Upcoming Schedule”</a> page for more details, i.e. locations and times. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-89196831968618772092011-05-29T00:09:00.000+02:002011-05-29T00:09:23.982+02:00My Mad Dash to the Opera<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I’ve been in a bit of a storytelling mood lately (as reflected in my last post), so I thought I’d share another crazy happening from last month. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was a Friday, and I was in the middle of a Philharmonic block under Peter Schneider. I was playing principal on Josef Suk’s symphony <i>Asreal</i>, which is actually an interesting piece. We had an evening concert that was to begin at 7:30, and since we were performing in the historic Theater an der Wien rather than in the Musikverein, Schneider called for a 6:30 acoustic rehearsal. Even though most of us groaned at the announcement, it turned out to be a very good thing.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We sat on stage and ran through some of the tricky spots, and by 6:45 I was sitting on my travel case backstage preparing to go get some food. The first piece on the program was Dvorak’s Biblische Lieder, which has no trombones. Then there would be an intermission, so in all reality I wouldn’t have to be dressed and ready to go onstage until probably 8:15. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As I was packing up my trombone, my phone rang. On the other end was Dietmar, and he sounded panicked. He was at the opera, scheduled to play principal trombone on <i>Tosca</i>, and no 2nd trombonist had shown up yet. Hmmm. OK. Let’s talk about this…</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dietmar asks, “Who was scheduled to play tonight?” I told him who was supposed to play, and he said, “Well, I tried calling him and he won’t pick up.”</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> “That’s weird. I bet he forgot.”</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> “Are you in Vienna?”</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> “Yes, just finished the Philharmonic rehearsal at the Theater an der Wien.”</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> “Do you play on the first half of the concert?” he asked.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> “No.”</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> “Could you come over and play the first act of Tosca in order to give time for a substitute to show up?”</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> “Sure, what time does the performance begin?”</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> “In 7 minutes…”</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">WHAT!!?? Yes, that’s right. The opera was to begin at 7:00. (I would like to take this chance to say that my colleague who was scheduled to play 2nd trombone had a very good excuse for not showing up. Happens to the best of us…)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I immediately leapt from my seat backstage and began running with my trombone strapped to my back. The Theater an der Wien is not that far from the State Opera House, but when you’ve got only 6 minutes to get there it seems A LOT farther! Also, my less-than-adequate physical stamina did not aid matters. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It must’ve been a funny scene, me sprinting down the sidewalk with a big instrument, whipping in and out of pedestrian traffic and trying my best to avoid knocking over any tourists or old ladies in fur coats (both of which are plentiful on the sidewalks of the old city). I also had my iPhone plastered to my ear, breathlessly giving Dietmar updates on my progress:</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I am… <i>HHH, HHH</i>… about 2…<i>HHH,HHH</i>… minutes away…"</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I made it into the backstage door with about 2 minutes to spare. Dietmar had pulled my black suit out of my locker and as I changed into it he put together my trombone. We all rushed upstairs and into the pit just as the concertmaster gave the tuning note. I had done it! In the span of 8 minutes, I went from calmly relaxing backstage at one theater to sitting in the pit performing in another one. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was completely out of breath and very sweaty, but was nevertheless able to play decently… until… the asthma that has been plaguing me since last September decided to rear its ugly head. Apparently my sprint to the opera had angered my bronchial tubes, and about 10 minutes into <i>Tosca</i> they decided to go ahead and swell up. I started wheezing pretty badly, which developed into a cough just in time for a really quiet section of the music. I had to eventually sneak out of the pit to take a couple puffs on my inhaler so I could make it through the rest of the act.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A substitute showed up in time for Act Two, so I headed back over to the Theater an der Wien to play the Philharmonic concert. I got there just as the first half was finishing, so I had some time to catch my breath and cool off before taking the stage for the Suk symphony. I found myself wondering if other professional musicians deal with things like this…</div></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-92194494887447615032011-05-14T17:17:00.000+02:002011-05-14T17:17:32.869+02:00High Drama (Literally)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This past Easter weekend I played in a run of Wagner's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsifal"><i>Parsifal</i></a> in the State Opera. It's traditionally scheduled around Easter because the storyline of the gargantuan work centers around the quest for Christian relics, plus the final act takes place on Good Friday. Wagner was very interested in these kinds of things... holy grails, spears, templar knights, etc. It was one of several things the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Wagner#Nazi_appropriation">Nazis found so admirable in him</a>. And after performing this opera three times in one weekend, I found myself getting quite annoyed at the curious over-the-top blend of German epic poetry and faux religiosity. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong, the music is beautiful. But absorbing hour after hour of magic evil castles, curses, holy grail ceremonies, and perpetual wounds interspersed with references to the healing power of a spear (rather than the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus">One</a> actually <i>pierced</i> by the spear), it was enough to make me a bit nauseous. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Apparently I wasn't the only one... </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The end of the first act of <i>Parsifal</i> is a point of contention for many an opera scholar, but it has nothing to do with the music, the text, or the staging. It has to do with what happens <i>after</i> the music stops. The act ends with Parsifal observing a lengthy grail ceremony. The atmosphere becomes very reserved, pious, and even worshipful. In fact, in our production the knights all take Communion on stage. In order to preserve this "holy" feeling, the tradition that arose at Wagner's own <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayreuth_Festspielhaus">Bayreuth Festspielhaus</a> was for there to be no applause following the first act. The orchestra simply finishes the last note, the lights come up, and the audience heads to the restroom or bar or wherever they go.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
I have a couple problems with this.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First, although the folks at Bayreuth would swear on their lederhosen that Wagner wanted it that way, I've always heard that it was a misunderstanding. I always thought that Wagner wanted there to be no curtain calls after the first act, not a complete ban on applause. I've even heard a story that Wagner himself once shouted 'Bravo!' during a <i>Parsifal</i>, only to be shushed and hissed at by the audience. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But even if one assumes Wagner indeed wanted complete silence, the fact that there is some debate on this issue means that at some point <i>someone</i> will applaud after the first act. Some folks aren't aware of the tradition; other folks don't agree with the tradition; some folks just forget. Of the 10 performances of <i>Parsifal </i>I've played, someone has applauded in 8 of them. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, what happens when someone applauds? The other audience members just sit idly by? To each his own? We're in Vienna, my dear reader. Not a chance.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The usual response to even ONE clap from ONE wayward soul: THREE HUNDRED people very loudly go "<b>SHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!</b><i>"</i> Which of course preserves the holiness and reverence of the moment <i>much</i> better than some applause...</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> My point is that if no one applauds... great. Fine. It's quiet and the Wagner fans feel really awesome. But, if someone <i>does</i> applaud, the shushing and calls of, "Ruhe!" (Quiet!) disturb the mood just as much. If someone claps, the damage is done! You can't un-clap a clap! </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
So, to the 'high drama' part. The first performance last month went fine. No applause after the first act. But then came the second performance, on Easter Sunday. As the final chord of the first act faded into silence, a gentleman in one of the boxes high up to the left side of the stage began to applaud very loudly. Of course the audience reacted as always and began to shush him. But he just kept going. He kept on clapping with all his might, and so the other people began to escalate their reprimands. Instead of shushing, it became hissing, which turned into booing, which turned into... yes... shouting.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Finally, the conductor, Ingo Metzmacher, looked up towards the source of the applause while gesturing with his arm and shaking his head. The man finally stopped applauding, but then shouted his message to the audience...</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"I find this holiness totally misplaced! It's what led to the rise of National Socialism!"</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The orchestra all sat there, mouths agape, myself included. I've heard boos, hisses, and insults of all kinds hurtled at the stage. But NEVER have I heard someone yelling at the <i>audience</i>!! It was truly an unbelievable moment. The man (who I like to call Screamy McShouterson) had obviously planned an ambush. He was perfectly positioned to be heard by everyone, and the delivery of his message sounded rehearsed. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As the conductor left the pit, the audience and orchestra were both murmuring in shocked amazement at what had just happened. What did he say, again? Did you hear? Who was that? What's he on?</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I would like to say at this point that although I sort of agree with Screamy, I don't think what he did was right. Again, to each his own. If I think the non-clappers should leave him alone, then it's only fair that Mr. McShouterson leave the non-clappers alone.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Screamy then made me think even less of him when he decided to punish the conductor for his rebuke. When Metzmacher came into the pit for the second and third acts, Screamy loudly and passionately booed. And he kept on booing until the rest of the audience drowned him out with supportive applause.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
What a crazy night!</div></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-76963565800427869852011-05-13T23:44:00.000+02:002011-05-13T23:44:54.981+02:00The Long and the Short Of It<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm quickly closing in on the end of my longest uninterrupted streak of calls ever, and I've gotta say, it feels nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Of course it's my own fault that I've had so much work to do in the last couple months. I'm the one taking off three weeks early in June to prepare for my upcoming performance at the International Trombone Festival (more on that later). But it's still been a feat of some magnitude to play virtually every concert, opera, and rehearsal since March 16th. That's 8 weeks! </span><br />
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There's lots of specific operas and concerts to tell you about at some point, but something has really struck me as odd in the 'big picture' of it all. It seems that in the State Opera (where I've played the vast majority the 8 week streak) a definite pattern has emerged that is somewhat interesting. Not <i>very</i> interesting... just somewhat. But it gives me an opportunity to talk about an aspect of having an opera job that I often get asked about: the length of the performances.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It seems that in the first half of my streak, the opera house was staging almost exclusively really LONG works. We're talking about 6 performances of <i>Anna Bolena</i> ( 3 hours, 30 minutes), Wagner's Ring Cycle (around 18 total hours of opera over 4 evenings), and a run of another Wagner staple, <i>Parsifal </i>(clocking in at a little over 5 hours)! The month of April was... long......... very................. long. Again, I brought this on myself. I'm fully aware. Just sayin', that's all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But the last couple weeks in the opera have been a stark contrast and welcome relief. First of all, there's a run of <i>Don Giovanni</i>, which is easily one of the most coveted services to play because Mozart doesn't write a single note for the trombones until about 10 minutes from the end of the opera. If the performance begins at 7PM, I don't actually enter the opera house until about 9:30. I have a warm-up, change into my black suit, and enter the pit around 10 o'clock just in time to play the final scene. There's a big soprano aria just before our entrance, so we usually stand just outside the pit entrance until we hear applause from the aria and then enter and take our seats. We do it that way so as not to visually disturb the performance. The Vienna State Opera has a completely uncovered orchestra pit, so virtually every audience member can see us when we go in. But once we've made it in, we get to play some of my favorite Mozart music ever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sometimes I get really nervous on <i>Giovanni</i> evenings, because when 8PM rolls around and I'm not even close to leaving the house I start to instinctively get a but twitchy and feel that something's not right. It's a weird feeling to be at home watching TV with Kristi when the performance downtown has been going on for a couple hours already!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's also been a ballet running recently called "A Tribute to Jerome Robbins" where the trombones play only the first 30 minutes and the last 30 minutes with an hour break in the middle. Again, a very pleasant call to play because I usually go over to Starbucks and have a treat and then head down to the trombone room and practice till it's time to re-enter. </span><br />
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Add to that <i>Nabucco</i> and <i>Jenufa</i>, both at 2-and-a-half hours, and it's been a much less stressful and tiring couple of weeks. I'm very thankful for it, but I often wonder why they don't schedule the long and short operas more interspersed instead of in runs or streaks like this. The current way means that the orchestra is dead tired during the long opera months and could honestly probably work a bit more in the short opera months. Hmmm. Dunno. </span><br />
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</div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-12128857447953836632011-04-28T01:07:00.001+02:002011-04-28T01:08:06.429+02:00Catching Up (Or At Least Attempting To)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's been 6 weeks since my last post, and the first finger of my left hand can't believe it just typed that number. But don't let the absence of posts deceive you into thinking there hasn't been much going on... au contraire, BRP readers! Ever since I returned from our wonderful California tour, life has been jam-packed, stuffed to the gills, and spilling over with responsibilities, work, and other generally adult-sounding words. Oh, almost forgot... also add 'relocating'!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, the Wilson family has moved. We no longer live in the middle of nowhere southeast of Vienna; we now live just on the <i>outskirts</i> of the middle of nowhere <i>north</i>east of Vienna! I kid, I kid. We live just outside the city limits of Vienna in a nice little town that is much more practically located for all our family activities and for my work commute. We made the decision to begin looking in this direction several months ago, and God blessed us with a wonderful house that is not only in a better location but also less expensive. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We moved on April 4th, just about three weeks after I returned from California. Three weeks sounds like a normal amount of time to pack up a house and move, right? Well, it is. But add to that a jazz concert at the Musikverein, playing 1st trombone in Aida, Arabella, and Elektra in the opera, and two Philharmonic blocks, and you begin to get an idea why it took us every second of that 3 weeks to get packed up. During that time I would go to the opera or concert each evening with a car fully loaded with stuff that I would take by the new house and unload late at night once the performances were done.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nearly three weeks have also passed <i>since</i> moving day, which is again a normal amount of time to unpack and get settled in a new place. But again add to that a Wagner Ring Cycle (including my first time playing bass trumpet in the Staatsoper), a run of Parsifal, and another Philharmonic block, and you understand that basically the new house and the opera house have owned me for 6 weeks.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I do not begrudge it, though I'm glad the stressful and busy time is coming to a close. And it looks like it's just in time for the wonderful Austrian Spring weather! The boxes are all unpacked, the light fixtures and photos hung, and the back yard is even beginning to resemble the nice outdoor space that it will eventually be. And waaaaaaay at the bottom of my 'TO DO' list, right next to "remind friends and family that you still exist and you still love them", is the entry, "catch up on blogs". </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So my goal over the next couple of weeks is to do just that. I've got a backlog of topics that I really want to share with everyone, and I'm going to try my best to tell you about everything that's been going on. In the meantime, you can check out <a href="http://theviennawilsons.net/">The Vienna Wilsons</a> for some photos of the new place.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-14129737404056069492011-03-12T20:00:00.002+01:002011-03-12T20:00:01.022+01:00California Tour Journal: Part 4 (final)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><u>Day 9: Palm Desert</u></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today was a fairly uneventful day, especially compared to the previous few days. We had a three-hour bus ride to the next stop on the tour, Palm Desert, and it turned out to be pretty scenic. We started out following the famed Pacific Coast Highway (aka California State Route 1), and I really enjoyed the views it afforded us.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We made our way through the San Fernando Valley, around the north and east sides of Los Angeles, and finally out east of the city into the desert. The mountains are really beautiful out here. I think many colleagues were surprised to see snowcapped peaks in California (Kalifornia). We also passed a giant (really) wind farm that had the cameras on the buses clicking.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We arrived in Palm Desert around 2PM, but were told the hotel rooms weren’t ready. Luckily, since our hotel is also a casino, we were able to take advantage of the traditional casino-style buffet. For $16 we had all we could eat (which turned out to be a lot). I think the guys I ate with were impressed that they could get so stuffed for so cheap. Ahhh, America.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I ended up not getting my room until around 4 o’clock. I had enough time to sleep for an hour or so before hopping on the bus once more to head out to the theater for this evening’s concert. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, if last night’s hall was bad, tonight’s was really bad. It’s just really not a good thing when an orchestra that is accustomed to a hall with a golden, velvety sound that carries on forever has to perform in a hall with a sound that I would describe as … cardboard-esque. After each wonderful note played by this, one of the world’s great orchestras, was a reverberation that lasted approximately -.2 seconds. That’s right. The sound actually had negative reverberation. Not sure how that even works, but it was true. It sounded like our instruments were pointed into a bucket of stale mop water, really.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">By concert’s end, we were ready to get out of there. I hitched a ride back to the hotel/casino/buffet with Hans, ordered some room service, and went night-night. I miss Kristi and Eli.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</u></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><u>Day 10: Costa Mesa</u></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The buses weren’t scheduled to head out for Costa Mesa until noon today, but the trombone section decided to get up early and make a little side trip of our own. Hans rented a car when we were in Santa Barbara so that he could go golfing and do a few other things on his own, and he won’t have to return it until Saturday in San Diego. Mark and Hans had heard there was a good music shop in the LA suburbs, and we thought it might be fun to go check it out and maybe try out some instruments. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We had to spend quite a while squeezing 5 trombones into the surprisingly small trunk space of the Nissan Altima hybrid, and then proceeded to squeeze ourselves into the seats. It was all knees and elbows in the back seat, where I was joined by Dietmar and Christian for the two hour drive to ‘The Horn Guys’ shop.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We had fun conversation on the trip, and were treated (once again) to bright sunshine and scenic views as we drove through the mountainous desert towards Los Angeles. Traffic was lighter than expected, and we made good time. We spent a couple hours in the store, trying out lots of different trombones yet knowing we couldn’t purchase any, mostly because we wouldn’t have been able to fit them in the car! </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We asked the storeowner for a lunch recommendation, and luckily just next-door was a Thai place that he gave glowing recommendations. I must say, there’s no way I would have ever gone into this place, but it turned to be very good. We stuffed ourselves with delicious and spicy food (for roughly $7 each) and piled back into the car to head towards Costa Mesa.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had the evening free, so I took a nap shortly after checking into the hotel in Costa Mesa. I spent my evening walking around, but there wasn’t much to see in what seemed to be a mostly financial district. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><u>Day 11: San Diego</u></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Another day, another bus ride. This one was not bad, only two hours long and in scenic country. Our destination was San Diego, the final stop in California. After arriving at our downtown hotel, I got together with Kyle Covington, principal trombonist of the San Diego Symphony. He took me down to the beach at Coronado, where we took a quick stroll, chatted, and had some coffee at a local café. I found myself constantly using quotes from my favorite San Diego movie, Anchorman. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But seriously, folks, the city is beautiful. As in San Francisco and Santa Barbara, the surrounding countryside, marvelous architecture, and sunny weather combine to create what must be a fantastic place to live. I also echo what I’ve heard my whole life about California… it is very, very relaxed and laid back. Even in these large cities, one gets the impression that everything moves at a much slower pace and that nothing stressful ever happens here. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kyle came with me to the orchestra’s rehearsal and was eventually able to secure a ticket to the concert itself. The concert went well, although we were yet again battling a sub-par performance space. The acoustics on stage were atrocious, and some colleagues told me that it wasn’t much better in the audience. The audience seemed to disagree, with huge ovations and applause after almost every movement. The trombones also had a good run of Brahms’ 2nd symphony; the final D-major chord was in tune and loud (yet not obnoxious). Hans and Mark were listening off-stage and both said it was very good.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tomorrow we leave the state of California. I will definitely miss it. The whole visit to the Golden State has been wonderful - even greater that I thought it would be. It leaves me wanting to come back again with Kristi and Eli in tow. In fact, my enjoyment of the trip has been made somewhat bittersweet because I haven’t been able to share it with my family. Well, at least now I have some idea of where we should go and what we should visit.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><u>Days 11 & 12: Toronto</u></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yesterday was the type of tour day that makes you not want to go on tours. Blechhh… Get up. Check out of hotel. Get on bus. Go through airport. Get on plane. Fly 4 hours. Get off plane. Go through airport. Get on bus. Check in to hotel.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The one silver lining was that Maestro Bychkov invited the whole orchestra to dinner in one of the grand ballrooms of the hotel in Toronto. We had about half an hour after arrival to scrape off and put on our jackets and ties. But the food was totally worth it. The Austrians tend to eat quite sensibly… unless it’s free. Then they become suspiciously American-esque! We all had several plates of wonderful breads, meats, pasta, salads, and of course chocolate desserts. I thought I would burst, as did everyone at my table (mostly low brass players).</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had a restful night’s sleep - or more accurately, a buffet coma – before I rose this morning just in time to shoot an email to Kristi and get downstairs to check out. We had a quick rehearsal before our 2PM concert. I always enjoy the final rehearsal of the tour because everyone is in a great mood (we’re going home soon!) and there are lots of heartfelt thanks to hand out. It’s the time when the orchestra gets to show our appreciation to the stage managers, tour organizers, travel agents, and orchestra leaders that have (usually) made the tour a success.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bychkov also gave a warm and heartfelt address, where he talked a lot about what a major musical and personal milestone it is in his life to have spent 3 weeks living with our orchestra. It was very moving to hear him talk about how much he has enjoyed conducting us, and how much he will miss us now that the tour is finished.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The concert went well, and it was nice to be in a real symphony hall again… one that was built for the expressed purpose of hearing orchestral music. We were sitting directly behind the horns for some reason (always a mystery to me), so I couldn’t really hear myself think during the climaxes of the Wagner. But the Bartók doesn’t have that much horn stuff in it, or at least not at the times we’re supposed to play. I thought it went well… probably the best we’ve ever played it. It was a good way to end the tour. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We’re now on the bus, headed to the airport. I’m excited because I get a business class seat for the first time in a long time. But I’m even more excited because I’ll see my sugar booger and lil’ buddy soon!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I guess this has probably been my favorite VPO tour overall. Great cities, great concerts, and nice weather… not bad! I had some free time to sightsee and shop and eat good food. And I got to spend time with some friends along the way, both from the orchestra and from the cities we visited. My next major tour will be a full year from now, which is weird to think about. Eli will be 3! We’ll be traveling to various places in Scandinavia, then on to Chicago and finally New York. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hope you’ve enjoyed my first attempt at a tour journal. I know it was long, but a lot of stuff happened on the tour! Give me feedback, and let me know what changes you’d like to see in the next tour journal. Bis dann!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-74036696105088405442011-03-11T20:00:00.012+01:002011-03-11T20:00:01.733+01:00California Tour Journal: Part 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">Day 6: Berkeley</span></u></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today was my rest and relaxation day after the past two days of heavy sightseeing and concerts. I had no responsibilities because the concert this afternoon was Mahler 6 again.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I slept in, took a long shower, and then leisurely packed my bag while my room was again filled with beautiful California sunshine. I talked to Kristi for a while, and even got a few words out of Eli before he ran away from the phone. It’s nice the way the time difference works out, because I get to talk to Kristi and Eli first thing in the morning, which somehow just puts me in a great mood the whole day.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I took my bag downstairs just in time for lunch, and spent about half an hour walking around the Berkeley campus. Being that it was in the middle of a Sunday, there wasn’t much going on. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RQDSSgMWBoI/TW0o4lBkVFI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/Ql8RmY2PcTA/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RQDSSgMWBoI/TW0o4lBkVFI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/Ql8RmY2PcTA/s400/IMG_0028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dPmgw2NdKoA/TW0kqqEqz3I/AAAAAAAAAbI/n71P5xC4BGs/s1600/DSC_0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dPmgw2NdKoA/TW0kqqEqz3I/AAAAAAAAAbI/n71P5xC4BGs/s400/DSC_0983.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I happened upon a large grove of eucalyptus trees, all of which were ginormous and smelled incredibly fragrant. In fact, it was the smell that drew me to them in the first place.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5ipg32_pxtE/TW0okOkXeTI/AAAAAAAAAcA/ON7mmFqgAdU/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5ipg32_pxtE/TW0okOkXeTI/AAAAAAAAAcA/ON7mmFqgAdU/s400/IMG_0034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After hanging around campus for a while, reading my Kindle and writing emails, I went to Zellerbach Hall and listened to most of Mahler 6 from backstage. What wonderful music! It’s one of the Mahler symphonies I don’t know so well, but after hearing the orchestra’s soulful and skillful rendition, I think I have to get better acquainted with it.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the concert, we loaded up the buses and set out towards Santa Barbara. I was very sleepy as night fell, and ended up sleeping for the first couple hours of the journey. We had been told that we would stop for food about halfway to Santa Barbara, and sure enough, we pulled off the highway after about three-and-a-half hours. I assumed the driver would drop us off at a shopping center or something with several different fast food restaurants. Nope. We pulled into a parking lot and I was STUNNED to look over and see … a Valero gas station and a Jack in the Box.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So here you have 30 hungry orchestra members all heading towards a very small Jack in the Box at about 9PM on a Sunday. Not ideal. The poor workers had a look of panic as we all crammed in front of the counter and ordered our ‘food’. It was very slow going, especially with the European members having to really think about which of the undesirable and greasy choices they would select. And for some reason the entire restaurant was freezing cold. We nevertheless sat there in the middle of nowhere California in our full winter gear, shivering and silently wolfing down our hastily prepared Jack in the Box meals. We loaded back onto the bus and finally made our way to Santa Barbara around midnight.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">Days 7 & 8: Santa Barbara </span></u></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got an email today from a friend of mine that said, “The Wiener Philharmoniker in Santa Barbara… someone was smart with their planning!” Boy was he right!! We had the most incredible couple of days here in Santa Barbara, rightfully nicknamed the ‘American Riviera’.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We awoke yesterday morning to temperatures of about 60 degrees and bright sunshine. I met several of the guys in the lobby, and we had no plans whatsoever other than to go find some food. We exited the hotel grounds and immediately gasped at the beautiful view.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YurbUVEZzDE/TXMSPemmd2I/AAAAAAAAAdM/-WilgJTZqis/s1600/IMGP2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YurbUVEZzDE/TXMSPemmd2I/AAAAAAAAAdM/-WilgJTZqis/s400/IMGP2577.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We crossed the highway to the beach and spent the next half hour just meandering our way towards the pier we saw in the distance, pausing for a couple impromptu and not at all staged photographs.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IJR1K_W40gw/TXMSOdLkPxI/AAAAAAAAAdE/Gc19V13BJZA/s1600/IMG_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IJR1K_W40gw/TXMSOdLkPxI/AAAAAAAAAdE/Gc19V13BJZA/s400/IMG_0031.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vi7VMmhGCuA/TXMSNEiVP9I/AAAAAAAAAc4/j84x9CBjMFw/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vi7VMmhGCuA/TXMSNEiVP9I/AAAAAAAAAc4/j84x9CBjMFw/s400/DSC_0177.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The pier we had seen in the distance turned out to be Stearns Wharf. We walked down it in search of breakfast, but it became quickly apparent that breakfast food wasn’t really available. So we all had fish and chips! We found some seats in the sun outside the fish & chips stand and even had some entertainment. A pelican was flying around very close to the pier, and we really enjoyed watching him swoop and suddenly dive at full speed into the ocean after his prey.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walking onto the wharf, we had seen an advertisement for a ‘land & sea’ tour and decided to check it out. We found out it was an amphibious vehicle tour and all hopped aboard for a 90 minute tour.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Gcw4U2CzkRs/TXMSPzXjDVI/AAAAAAAAAdU/xVZcg9HvSzE/s1600/IMGP2618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Gcw4U2CzkRs/TXMSPzXjDVI/AAAAAAAAAdU/xVZcg9HvSzE/s400/IMGP2618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had a fantastic tour guide named Milo, and despite being a bit chilly from driving/boating around in an open vehicle, everyone enjoyed it immensely. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fP9_Q94ndLk/TXMSQo3zoVI/AAAAAAAAAdg/Hu7KnyVGIos/s1600/IMGP2635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fP9_Q94ndLk/TXMSQo3zoVI/AAAAAAAAAdg/Hu7KnyVGIos/s400/IMGP2635.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The historic Santa Barbara Courthouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5CKZphZJ2EE/TXMSQmwXSjI/AAAAAAAAAdc/ylQCdow6F5Q/s1600/IMGP2669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5CKZphZJ2EE/TXMSQmwXSjI/AAAAAAAAAdc/ylQCdow6F5Q/s400/IMGP2669.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the tour boat</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_2hZx8Mwb9w/TXMSQwfWrDI/AAAAAAAAAdk/ayYJ3YSjY2s/s1600/IMGP2678.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_2hZx8Mwb9w/TXMSQwfWrDI/AAAAAAAAAdk/ayYJ3YSjY2s/s400/IMGP2678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We spent the afternoon walking around downtown, stopping occasionally for a coffee or to take in the many magnificent Spanish mission-style buildings. I really enjoyed the architecture, and especially the courthouse. It was built in the 1920s and it is truly spectacular. We went to the top of the building’s 7-story tower to revel in a breathtaking 360-degree view of Santa Barbara. We didn’t want to leave. We just stayed up there, chatting and taking photos and soaking up the sun. </span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GCL8DWO_x-A/TXMSON_BbmI/AAAAAAAAAdA/Adzfoijvcqc/s1600/DSC_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GCL8DWO_x-A/TXMSON_BbmI/AAAAAAAAAdA/Adzfoijvcqc/s400/DSC_0305.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qFnVPXlvvCU/TXMSSnXG2VI/AAAAAAAAAd0/rtEneVpX4UM/s1600/IMGP2707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qFnVPXlvvCU/TXMSSnXG2VI/AAAAAAAAAd0/rtEneVpX4UM/s400/IMGP2707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eo-OMIVWjGY/TXMSPnWPOtI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/OnX2m9xlIX8/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eo-OMIVWjGY/TXMSPnWPOtI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/OnX2m9xlIX8/s400/IMG_0100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today I slept in and then spent the morning and afternoon just walking around town and taking in more of this amazing city. I walked the beach for an hour at least, then circled back into downtown Santa Barbara, where I did a little bit of shopping and had lunch at Chipotle, my favorite burrito place. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tonight was our one and only concert in Santa Barbara. I showed up at the appointed hour at the gorgeous Grenada Theater and giggled when I saw all the colleagues. The whole orchestra was pink! Everyone, myself included, had spent so much time outdoors in the past two days (in 60-degree breezy weather) without so much as a drop of sunscreen, and every single colleague I saw was sunburned! </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As we rehearsed, we quickly found out that although the Grenada is really pretty and interestingly decorated, it doesn’t so much sound really pretty. It was very dry, and it was often hard for those of us in the back to hear the strings. It was nonetheless an enjoyable and well-received concert.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-20715074974148075332011-03-10T20:00:00.011+01:002011-03-10T20:00:05.265+01:00California Tour Journal: Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">Day 4: Berkeley</span></u></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today was the first real working day in California. We had a rehearsal this morning at Zellerbach Hall, the site of our three-concert residency here at UC Berkeley. The rehearsal went fine, though I think everyone was very tired. Everyone has been commenting how much more difficult it is compared to flying to New York. Those extra three hours from east coast to west coast make a real impact on the severity of the jet lag. In the rehearsal break we were treated to homemade cookies, brownies, and cakes from Cal students and faculty. So. Good. There were these chocolate heart shaped cookies that were sandwiched together with peanut butter in the middle. Wow.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fo7hLA0-_Rs/TW0kTgKCmZI/AAAAAAAAAa8/xj0aZTYowTc/s1600/IMG_0028_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fo7hLA0-_Rs/TW0kTgKCmZI/AAAAAAAAAa8/xj0aZTYowTc/s400/IMG_0028_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During our first rehearsal</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The weather forecast didn’t fit with everyone’s vision of California, and we entered the building under cloudy skies and cold drizzle. When rehearsal was finished three hours later, we opened the backstage door and were delighted and surprised to find beautiful sunny skies! More than once I heard a colleague say, “Ahhhh, California!” Between the sunshine and the ever-prevalent scent of eucalyptus on the Berkeley campus, it was enough to re-energize everyone and put us in high spirits.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-99DhqdAGJTs/TW0lP_AucRI/AAAAAAAAAbc/MLs1auhC5ZU/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-99DhqdAGJTs/TW0lP_AucRI/AAAAAAAAAbc/MLs1auhC5ZU/s400/IMG_0033.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christoph, Mark, Hans, me, and Christian</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Several of us went walking around looking for some lunch, and the colleagues fell in love with the campus. The idea of an expansive dedicated university campus is almost non-existent in Vienna, and many of the guys said they feel they missed out on what they consider a huge part of the quintessential college experience. It struck me as we wandered through the many academic buildings, athletic facilities, and various blue & yellow bookstores that American students are very lucky in that regard.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ga848BFZCl0/TW0lNcMF5NI/AAAAAAAAAbY/-5zw2aWv4v4/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ga848BFZCl0/TW0lNcMF5NI/AAAAAAAAAbY/-5zw2aWv4v4/s400/IMG_0031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We eventually found a nice restaurant, which was actually the former Presbyterian student center on campus, and then I headed back to the hotel to take a nap as the beautiful sunshine streamed through the hotel curtains. I slept for a couple hours, only because I didn’t want sleepiness to be a factor during the evening’s concert.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The concert was a great one. The Zellerbach sounds much better when full of people, and even though I know everyone was exhausted, they didn’t seem to let it affect the music. The Wagner Prelude to Tristan & Isolde was a thing of profound beauty. The string section had the audience eating out of their hands, pouring everything they had into those wonderful melodies. Lars Stransky played the lead horn part beautifully as well, and by the end, when Bychkov wanted to let the final chord fade VERY slowly into silence, the audience just couldn’t wait to interrupt the silence with applause and shouts of “Bravo”. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Bartók went well, too. I felt there was a curiously aggressive energy throughout the whole suite. Everyone seemed to be attacking the piece just like in the piece’s back-story when the tramps attack the Mandarin. Matthias Schorn played the many extended clarinet features with excitement and dazzling proficiency. I felt we as a trombone group played well. There are several tricky parts that are quite exposed, and they all went well. I was really feeding off the energy from conductor and colleague alike, and got lucky with the many awkward glissandi in the piece. Afterwards, the trombone group got a great ovation from the audience, which always feels nice. I then really enjoyed being able to just sit and bask in the pair of dances the orchestra performed as encores, neither of which had trombone parts. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mark, Christoph, and I went out in search of some Mexican food to close out the evening, but everything was closed. We finally found a pizzeria close to the hotel that was still open, and I had a wonderful Sicilian sausage calzone. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">Day 5: San Francisco/Berkeley</span></u></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What an awesome day! We had plans today to take a tour of Alcatraz Island, and it did not disappoint. We left quite early, allowing 90 minutes for a trip to San Francisco Pier 33, a trip that was supposed to take only 35 minutes. The BART system had other plans; there was a track out of service in the tunnel that goes under the bay between Oakland and San Francisco. We ended up sitting at one stop for nearly 25 minutes and eventually arrived at our end station only 12 minutes before the ferry was to leave for Alcatraz. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We all hopped in taxis (there were 8 of us) and sped over to Pier 33 just in time to run straight onto the ferry. As I looked around, I realized not everyone had made it. As it turned out, Christian Poitinger had gotten caught in a throng of people at the BART station and had taken a third taxi. He got to the pier just as the boat was pulling out, but was able to grab his ticket from will call and take the next ferry 30 minutes later.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The weather was absolutely perfect for our journey across the bay. We were treated to breathtaking views in bright sunshine all around the bay. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">As we sailed closer to the infamous Alcatraz, I couldn’t help but think how oddly beautiful it was. It was a place of horror, sorrow, and darkness for so long, and yet today the island is somehow picturesque. It sits out in the middle of the bay with surprisingly extensive and diverse gardens all around the perimeter of the island. There are also hundreds of species of waterfowl that roost there. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nUvNZxZ_QGA/TW0hILdTQgI/AAAAAAAAAZo/Q3anx1eU9lw/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nUvNZxZ_QGA/TW0hILdTQgI/AAAAAAAAAZo/Q3anx1eU9lw/s400/DSC_0025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cRKxZpwFf-I/TW0haNf1eZI/AAAAAAAAAZw/SiWI8R0iqnY/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cRKxZpwFf-I/TW0haNf1eZI/AAAAAAAAAZw/SiWI8R0iqnY/s400/DSC_0049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The self-guided audio tour was amazing. It’s endlessly interesting and well produced, and all the colleagues said afterwards the German version was wonderful as well. I almost can’t describe the feelings I had when I entered the cell house. I have seen television programs about the penitentiary, but none of them can do it justice. I felt at once creeped out and fascinated. The history of the place, now almost legendary, seemed to surround me as I took my first leisurely stroll down “Broadway”, the aisle between B-block and C-block.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This place, which held captive such names as Al Capone and Robert “Birdman” Stroud, gives off an eerie vibe to say the least. It was my first time in a prison of any kind. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U4QRG9LIPyg/TW0icvfQQdI/AAAAAAAAAaM/BEDdT0XnX_M/s1600/DSC_0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U4QRG9LIPyg/TW0icvfQQdI/AAAAAAAAAaM/BEDdT0XnX_M/s400/DSC_0075.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the cruelest parts of being an inmate at Alcatraz had to have been this view:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">To be able to see civilization in plain view, just a mile away, had to have been mental torture for many a convicted criminal. We, however, loved the view!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QvBRcxr92ww/TW0oczaVHWI/AAAAAAAAAb4/80xMUk4rdEw/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QvBRcxr92ww/TW0oczaVHWI/AAAAAAAAAb4/80xMUk4rdEw/s400/IMG_0048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We still had plenty of time to spare before the evening’s concert, so we went over to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch. After a long BART ride back to Berkeley, we were all pooped. I think most of the guys took naps before heading to the UC campus for the concert.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The concert was again very successful. I played the first half, Schumann’s Symphony No. 2, on first trombone. The trombones only play the first and last movements, but there are nevertheless some tricky spots. The first movement begins cruelly, with pianissimo dotted-rhythm intervals that jump up to a ‘G’… in other words, a cracked note waiting to happen. But it all went fine for me last night, and after the first 20 measures I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Once I cleared that first hurdle, I had the pleasure of just sitting and listening to the rest of the orchestra perform beautifully. The 2nd and 3rd movements are among my favorite in the literature, and I am so glad the trombones have only ‘tacet’ so we can just soak it up. The flashy 4th movement has one last hurdle for the first trombonist. After not playing a single note for about 15 minutes, I had to come in on a high B-flat, also another cracked note waiting to happen. I clipped it in the Vienna performance last week, but it went fine tonight. It’s interesting how things like that can worm their way into your head after you miss it once, and let’s say I was very happy when it worked this time.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The second half of the concert was Brahms’ second symphony, a staple of the orchestral repertoire. I played second trombone with Dietmar on 1st and Christian Poitinger on bass. Again, the trombones play mostly at the beginning and the end of the symphony, and in between get to just enjoy great music. It was a great performance all around, and the trombone section did well on the famous scales and chord in the final minute of the finale. We received an immediate and rousing ovation from the audience, and once again I felt very fulfilled and satisfied with a great concert in the books.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-58070746459381627382011-03-09T20:00:00.008+01:002011-03-09T22:28:18.854+01:00California Tour Journal: Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I just arrived home from a 12-day Philharmonic tour that took us to Germany, California, and Canada. Though it was probably the best overall tour I've been on, I am very glad to be back and not traveling abroad for at least a couple months. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I thought I would share the tour with you in a different way this time. Each night of the tour, I sat down and wrote a 'journal entry' for the day, and now I will post my tour journal over several posts. I tried to write it as if I were my own personal journal, recording my feelings at the time along with descriptions of concerts and other activities. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I will refer often to a few things:</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bychkov= Semyon Bychkov, the conductor for the tour</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wagner= Richard Wagner's <i>Prelude to Tristan and Isolde</i></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Schumann= Robert Schumann's <i>Symphony No. 2</i></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brahms = Johannes Brahms' <i>Symphony No. 2</i></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bartók= Bela Bartók's <i>Miraculous Mandarin Suite</i></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i>If any other references are unclear, please comment or message me and let me know. Hope you enjoy this glimpse into my touring life.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;">Day 1: Köln</span></b></u></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The tour got underway this morning with a pleasant and short flight to Cologne. I hated to say goodbye to Eli and Kristi, but I’m looking forward to the tour nonetheless. I am really enjoying the music we’re doing, and especially enjoying playing principal on the Schumann and Bartók. I’m also really looking forward to seeing California, and I feel like I’ll really be able to say that I’ve seen it because once we fly to Oakland tomorrow, we’ll only be using buses to get from city to city. I’m hoping we go down the coast as often as possible. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’m free today, because the program for this evening’s concert is the Mahler. I hope I get to hear it at some point… probably in California somewhere. We arrived at the hotel around 2 in the afternoon, and I spent some time practicing. Our hotel is much more centrally located this time, so I thought I’d take a bit of a walk around the city. Wow, it’s cold! I made it over to the famous Kölner Dom, which has an amazing, if somewhat intimidating, front façade. The spires seem to go on forever. I read somewhere that it was the tallest building in the world before the completion of the Washington Monument. I walked around inside for a while, but in the fading daylight wasn’t able to see much. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Gm1qZ-BIrgQ/TWfUBpeAIvI/AAAAAAAAAZM/QcSGnh7Qt8o/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Gm1qZ-BIrgQ/TWfUBpeAIvI/AAAAAAAAAZM/QcSGnh7Qt8o/s400/IMG_0001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my hotel window</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DBbw1eN4CSg/TWfVa9cmJPI/AAAAAAAAAZM/nHdCpeZIsHo/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DBbw1eN4CSg/TWfVa9cmJPI/AAAAAAAAAZM/nHdCpeZIsHo/s400/IMG_0007.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also made it down to the banks of the Rhine. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We fly out pretty early in the morning, and I’m hoping I can get some sleep on the way to the Pacific coast of the US. California, here I come! </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></u></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">Day 2: Flight to Bay Area</span></u></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We loaded up the buses early this morning and took an hour drive to Dusseldorf, where we caught our charter flight to the Oakland, CA airport. The flight was pleasant and non-eventful. Every member of the orchestra had either 2 or 4 seats to themselves, and most everyone slept a lot. Since it was a charter, the whole plane got business class service. They kept feeding us and feeding us! I don’t think I’ve ever had so much to eat on a flight before.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had some amazing views on the way. First was the always beautiful view over Greenland, where the snow appears to be a mile deep and the mountaintops just poking out of it. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nIbwunPGWhI/TW0jKRExfaI/AAAAAAAAAag/Vx-Z635Hw7g/s1600/DSC_0602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nIbwunPGWhI/TW0jKRExfaI/AAAAAAAAAag/Vx-Z635Hw7g/s400/DSC_0602.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We made our way over Canada’s Northwest Territories before turning south to fly near Calgary and then Seattle before heading into the Bay Area. As we made our way over Alberta and into northern Washington, we had a spectacular vista over the mountains. The air was crystal clear and the sharp peaks were a sight to behold.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_PeWjv_ilrA/TW0jLtJm5mI/AAAAAAAAAak/pfEtxM25UjE/s1600/DSC_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_PeWjv_ilrA/TW0jLtJm5mI/AAAAAAAAAak/pfEtxM25UjE/s400/DSC_0631.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Things got progressively less snowy as we approached northern California, and we looked out over lush, green rolling hills. Faintly in the distance I saw the Pacific Ocean, and before long we were making final approach. Someone yelled, “There it is!” I looked out to see the San Francisco Bay under bright sunlight approaching off our right wing. It was a breathtaking sight, with the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and downtown San Francisco clearly visible. I spent the entire last 20 minutes of the flight with my forehead stuck to the window, as did many other colleagues.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1GlPepmBV2w/TW0jyRsGfXI/AAAAAAAAAaw/yfDQxkwFkxA/s1600/DSC_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1GlPepmBV2w/TW0jyRsGfXI/AAAAAAAAAaw/yfDQxkwFkxA/s400/DSC_0641.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">San Francisco Bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It took me FOR-E-VER to get through the passport check, mostly because there was no separate line for US Citizens. The entire orchestra (except for me) had to submit their customs declaration, visa forms, and all 10 fingers to be scanned. The poor border agent sighed in relief as I walked up, “Oh, good, you’re American. This’ll be quick.” </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The bus ride to Berkeley was nice. It was a very sunny afternoon, and the orchestra members seemed to really appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Our hotel in Berkeley is super nice. It’s an old-style hotel, but it’s been recently renovated, and for some reason I was given a suite. I’m not complaining.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QEsrnGf5sHk/TWfg5HgoNQI/AAAAAAAAAZM/uxY-KWhVkSc/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QEsrnGf5sHk/TWfg5HgoNQI/AAAAAAAAAZM/uxY-KWhVkSc/s400/IMG_0012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're in California!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Z_Qj2GiR7Bw/TWfivXALwII/AAAAAAAAAZM/VfTYh11Py2U/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Z_Qj2GiR7Bw/TWfivXALwII/AAAAAAAAAZM/VfTYh11Py2U/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We piled all our junk on Christoph. He likes it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dD10Ve_4bIg/TWfij-qCbeI/AAAAAAAAAZM/ws5RvV79wSg/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dD10Ve_4bIg/TWfij-qCbeI/AAAAAAAAAZM/ws5RvV79wSg/s400/IMG_0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One half of my hotel suite in Berkeley. Nice!</td></tr>
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I checked my emails and unpacked a bit, and then met the guys downstairs to go into San Francisco. There is a ‘BART’ station just outside out hotel, so it’s über-convenient. We rode the train for about 20 minutes and then found ourselves in downtown SanFran, complete with cable cars, steep streets, and cold wind! </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MRk5PzSlc_g/TWfjtHcE5eI/AAAAAAAAAZM/Rb9vRqBej4Y/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MRk5PzSlc_g/TWfjtHcE5eI/AAAAAAAAAZM/Rb9vRqBej4Y/s400/IMG_0018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We decided to stick close to the water in the hopes of finding something to eat. It’s funny, because even though we had been perpetually stuffed with food our entire flight and it was the middle of the night to our stomachs, everyone was STILL hungry. </span></div><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We walked, walked, and walked some more. Our supposed goal was Pier 39, apparently a big tourist site, and we began with Pier 1. When we finally arrived at Pier 39, I realized it was indeed a very touristy place, complete with a billion restaurants, souvenir shops, and photo ops. Another famous trait of Pier 39 is the sea lions that apparently have simply been showing up there since 1989 to hang out on the docks. We didn’t see the see lions when we arrived, but instead picked a wonderful seafood restaurant at which to eat called Neptune’s House. We had a giant platter of seafood as an appetizer, including shrimp, oysters, calamari, crab legs, and crab cakes, and then I had delicious Cajun pasta.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YttQ0qcrWlo/TWfkXhKsAWI/AAAAAAAAAZM/NJ3KjPZpxD4/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YttQ0qcrWlo/TWfkXhKsAWI/AAAAAAAAAZM/NJ3KjPZpxD4/s400/IMG_0027.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Dietmar and Mark after our great meal</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were stumbling our way out of the Pier 39 area (stumbling due to full bellies mixed with jetlag) when we heard a mysterious barking sound. We rushed over behind the buildings to see the famed sea lions! We had apparently looked in the wrong place before. We spent a few minutes staring in awe at the hundred or so animals just hanging out on the dock. From the pier we had great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, and it was the perfect ending to a fun evening out.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sSTb3-q0_pE/TW0kjdblTGI/AAAAAAAAAbA/jLClY4Ad3T4/s1600/DSC_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sSTb3-q0_pE/TW0kjdblTGI/AAAAAAAAAbA/jLClY4Ad3T4/s400/DSC_0706.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Pier 39 - Alcatraz island over my left shoulder</td></tr>
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</span></u></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">Day 3: Berkeley/San Francisco</span></u></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I managed to sleep until 7:00 this morning, which is not bad for the first day of western-bound jetlag. I had a nice Skype session with Kristi and Eli for about 30 minutes before I took a long, hot shower and scraped off a bit from the long journey yesterday. After breakfast I returned to the room to relax and do a bit of work. I warmed up in my practice mute, wrote some emails, and finally transcribed the electric guitar solo from the Chick Corea jazz-fusion tune “Hymn of the 7th Galaxy” for our jazz concert in March.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A graduate student from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music named Brandon picked me up from the hotel after lunch and took me across the Bay Bridge to do a masterclass. I was invited by trombone teacher and long-time SFSO principal trombonist Mark Lawrence. I had the privilege of meeting Mark 2 years ago in Los Angeles when we were on tour with Zubin Mehta. He thought it would be beneficial for the students to hear my story and play a bit for me as well.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I thought the class itself went really well. I did a little “blah,blah” and took questions for the first part and then heard several of the students play. Boy, was it fun to work with them! The students were of the high caliber one would expect from the SF Conservatory, but most importantly they were willing to play musically, they were open to new ideas, and they were able to make the changes I wanted. It was just a lot of fun and a great learning experience for me. Hopefully it was the same for them.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I talked through my audition story, I realized as never before how many San Francisco connections there were during that time. First, it was Mark’s recording of the Malcom Arnold Fantasy that I used as my reference when I recorded it for the ITA audition CD that sparked the whole thing. Then about 2 months before the audition I played in a masterclass at the Eastern Trombone Workshop for Paul Welcomer, 2nd trombonist in… you guessed it… the San Francisco Symphony. And finally, at the audition itself, the other candidate who made it through to the finals with me was Kyle Covington, who had studied at the San Francisco Conservatory. Kyle is now principal trombonist in the San Diego Symphony, and I hope to get together with him when we are there next week.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brandon offered me a ride back to Berkeley, but after we hit a major traffic jam that would’ve forced him to miss a rehearsal, I convinced him to let me use the BART subway system to get back. It took just a little while, but by the time I got back to the hotel the dreaded jetlag was setting in big time. I decided all I wanted to do was adhere to all the American stereotypes. I grabbed a Papa John’s pizza (hadn’t had one in a long time) and took it back to the room, where I ate half of it while watching TV. And now I will crash.</span></div></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-44188507243685701152011-03-08T20:00:00.009+01:002011-03-08T20:00:02.291+01:00UT Trombone Symposium: Part 4 (final)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">The final day of the symposium got underway with another lecture and masterclass on the subject of “The </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">Jeremy Wilson</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"> Story”. My parents were especially anxious to hear this one! “It all began in 1982…” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">I agreed to that title for lack of a better one, but I wanted to emphasize not so much my biography, but rather what auditioning for the Vienna Philharmonic had taught me, and what I thought other students could glean from my experiences. I spoke for over an hour, and tried to include every relevant detail I could remember. I started from the day I received the fateful email from Vern Kagarice and went all the way to the day of the audition. It was easily the most complete telling of the story I’ve ever done. I then had the chance to work with several talented high school students in a masterclass format. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">After a wonderful and relaxing afternoon with several friends and family members, it was time for the final event of the week: my concerto with the UT Symphony Orchestra.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"><br />
After a week of non-stop rehearsals, events, meals, and catching up with friends, I was exhausted. I think there was also a huge sense of relief and accomplishment that I had successfully pulled off my first major event as a professional solo artist. It had been more than a year in the planning, and after all my preparation I was ready to go out with a bang.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"><br />
The orchestra began its Vienna-themed concert with Mozart’s <i>Overture to the Magic Flute</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">, a piece I’ve performed many times in the Staatsoper. I was warming up backstage when I got a text message from Joe Christian in the audience which read, “Your warm-up sounds great!” Even though I was playing in a closed green room that is sealed off from the auditorium, I was being heard in the main hall during the overture! I was mortified and also confused, but I guess the sound was traveling through ductwork or something. I immediately put in my practice mute and continued warming up.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">The time for my concerto came up, and I once again got a tingly sensation as I walked out on stage. The nerves were gone, though, and I only had a sense of excitement and anticipation in their place. I think doing the previous nights’ performances really helped boost my confidence and calm my fears, if for no other reason than I knew what was coming.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"><br />
I did a short on-stage interview with Jim Fellenbaum, the man who started this whole thing. We talked about what I had been doing during the week, a little bit about what it’s like to play and live in Vienna, and about the importance of certain composers (like Mozart and Brahms) in the legacy of the orchestra.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"><br />
Then it was time to play. I was very eager to finally perform Grøndahl’s trombone concerto, a grand and wonderfully melodic piece that I fell in love with many years ago. It’s perhaps overplayed, but it’s beautiful and not so difficult to work up in a short time. I felt that if I were going to start a career as a soloist, this should be my starting point. <br />
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Again, the piece was not perfect, but the most difficult sections, the ones I was most worried about, came off really well. And I once again felt I stayed true to my musical self, unapologetically taking risks, singing tunes, and most importantly, having fun. When the last note had been played, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy. The entire week had been nothing but a positive experience, and I had done what I came there to do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"><br />
The evening and the symposium concluded in bombastic fashion when Don, Dan, and I took the stage one last time with the UT Symphony Orchestra to perform Berlioz’s <i>Hungarian March</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">. Yes, that’s correct. SIX trombones and tuba played the piece. It was loud, it was exciting, and it was, dare I say, a TROMBONE-FEST! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdrEtofeS8o">Here’s a video</a> of highlights from the Grøndahl:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="334" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kdrEtofeS8o" title="YouTube video player" width="540"></iframe></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">I want to publicly send a huge thanks to Jim Fellenbaum and the UT Symphony Orchestra for the opportunity to perform and make music together. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNOnebgDsxVDRJfGAWtiHFFghA2XW-z8RtgNrur16fq2GXO8FjPCudYlBvT4DVr3UsYOqCXWGvutnb65VOqxNW_NxZwo3nKRiTMUNvVt9GYcTkVH2tuz6eBQz335y7a-HVAyXsMEVHME/s1600/IMG_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNOnebgDsxVDRJfGAWtiHFFghA2XW-z8RtgNrur16fq2GXO8FjPCudYlBvT4DVr3UsYOqCXWGvutnb65VOqxNW_NxZwo3nKRiTMUNvVt9GYcTkVH2tuz6eBQz335y7a-HVAyXsMEVHME/s400/IMG_0252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">I want to again thank my new friend Dan Cloutier, who was an enormous help throughout the whole week and did a great job organizing everything. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc_89R-fmQ_mkWQRDxKWqC103LJzva45m6_PSru1idmnkSv-29rPNPUnMauAnLMETtpaGwNUosmO6QdVM3cXjZjxgk6j8FMHqXVfmu8czTfcZ3qwXG76R8LM2uRoOyCw7avZfwBXV4Ws/s1600/Jeremy+and+Dan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc_89R-fmQ_mkWQRDxKWqC103LJzva45m6_PSru1idmnkSv-29rPNPUnMauAnLMETtpaGwNUosmO6QdVM3cXjZjxgk6j8FMHqXVfmu8czTfcZ3qwXG76R8LM2uRoOyCw7avZfwBXV4Ws/s400/Jeremy+and+Dan.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">To Don Hough, the man to whom I in large part owe my career, thanks for performing with us and for being there at nearly every minute of the whole symposium. It was a delight to spend so much time with you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">To my accompanist Judith Bible, another new friend, I owe another gigantic thank you. I know it was not easy preparing for a massive recital in the midst of your already busy schedule, and you played beautifully. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">To Dr. Sousa, it was a pleasure and honor to come back and perform with someone who taught me so much and whom I so admired as a student. A huge thanks for everything… maybe someday I’ll have the nerve to call you Gary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">To the TTP guys – Jon, Joe, Jeff, and Brian - playing with you guys was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. Thanks for all the time and effort you put in, and for allowing me to be part of your group for a week. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">To all the students (UT and high school alike), you’re the reason all this happened in the first place. Thanks for your attentiveness, your support, and your open minds. It was a pleasure getting to know you, and thanks for letting me dig my hands into your playing in the masterclasses.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0AcRzqx3ipRELMOYleh7LViKsEOmuzrAhY5wFQlvCPvzwiAZEMILVDT_j17I4_rnBoyMrBpkOzKp30XRkAq_AWqx7iB0FJhAoPiEKc9YDIJxpV4Ya9S1T5v1yQSaLJ-woWmO4DKio40/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0AcRzqx3ipRELMOYleh7LViKsEOmuzrAhY5wFQlvCPvzwiAZEMILVDT_j17I4_rnBoyMrBpkOzKp30XRkAq_AWqx7iB0FJhAoPiEKc9YDIJxpV4Ya9S1T5v1yQSaLJ-woWmO4DKio40/s400/009.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">To the UT School of Music – my heart goes out to you and to the Stephens family. For those who don’t know, the director of the School of Music, Roger Stephens, passed away on February 20th after a long battle with cancer. He was a wonderful man.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">To all the friends who came to the UTTS events, many from far away, it was truly amazing to see you all. The circumstances of our lives have dictated in many cases that we don’t stay in touch like we should. Seeing everyone makes me want to work harder at remedying that. Joe & Megan, you’re the greatest… thanks for a place to stay, for your wonderful friendship, and most importantly, for Oreo kugeln!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWuRMS-YY2mdsdqN3E8EkEt1R9r0AEj4REVw58Y9X2346toEPTs5EvXjC0Bq4usfGu94JPZKUyrpbO0W-8v3b1K_clpQjOwYvLLX8uX3fz8s1rC2R2vtaR8KbxtGbAaJkTgDi1X8ef-Q/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWuRMS-YY2mdsdqN3E8EkEt1R9r0AEj4REVw58Y9X2346toEPTs5EvXjC0Bq4usfGu94JPZKUyrpbO0W-8v3b1K_clpQjOwYvLLX8uX3fz8s1rC2R2vtaR8KbxtGbAaJkTgDi1X8ef-Q/s400/IMG_0250.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"> To my dear family members who came up to Knoxville, thanks for always supporting me and loving me. I love you right back. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">It was an unforgettable week on Rocky Top. Can’t wait to do it again!</span><br />
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The end of a LONG week!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354030022217592974.post-90787969244980275212011-03-07T20:00:00.010+01:002011-03-07T20:00:01.390+01:00UT Trombone Symposium: Part 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">On Friday night of UTTS was my solo recital. As I’ve stated in previous posts, one of my main personal goals for the week was to see how much stuff I could cram into a week and still perform to a high standard. Well, on Friday evening I got a taste of just where my limits were.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">In my practice regime during the weeks prior to the symposium, I could easily play through my recital program twice and still be OK. But… that was without a whole week of rehearsals and masterclasses. It was also not in between two major concerti, and I was also not staying out late every night catching up with old friends. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">I knew it was an ambitious program, but I wanted to push myself. Wish granted. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">The concert started off fine, with probably my best overall run of the Bozza <i>Ballade</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">. I felt energized and optimistic. Then came the Ropartz <i>Piéce in E-flat minor</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">, which I had avoided my entire career because it’s so strenuous and concludes with a high E-flat. I was very happy with my performance overall (I managed all the high and technical stuff, including the high E-flat) but about halfway through I felt my chops tiring faster than I had expected. Next up was the killer, the Schumann <i>Romances for Oboe</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">. I’ve always loved these little romances, but never had a chance to perform them. The only problem is they stay in the middle and high register, and you never stop playing. In other words, a death sentence for even slightly tired chops. Even though I only performed the first two movements, these little romances caused trouble for me the rest of the evening. About halfway through the 2<sup>nd</sup> romance, I started having random high notes stop working. Everything would feel fine, and suddenly I would go for something and it just wouldn’t happen. In all reality, the few chipped notes were not enough to ruin the performance, and most were probably promptly ignored by most of the audience, but it was hugely frustrating for me. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhFs5IKODyNj_ppO5Ww-wZugBF99MK29FHv3BzxGut9Z88hAfjS7Fgm7U62-3z0ZHyXy8lGnDRNrfkj3U1-SypUsPN78X0UuBcdkPziEAUuLstyQwdcp4Iq6a51xQJdW4263IkNoU0Ro/s1600/IMG_1960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhFs5IKODyNj_ppO5Ww-wZugBF99MK29FHv3BzxGut9Z88hAfjS7Fgm7U62-3z0ZHyXy8lGnDRNrfkj3U1-SypUsPN78X0UuBcdkPziEAUuLstyQwdcp4Iq6a51xQJdW4263IkNoU0Ro/s400/IMG_1960.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">In the intermission, I considered dropping a piece or two from the program because I knew at the end were the quintet jazz pieces that had lots of high lead playing. The quartet guys talked me out of it, and I was glad they did. I had a good performance of the Crespo <i>Improvisation No. 1</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">, followed by three opera arias. I was very tired during the arias, but was committed to still taking risks and pouring my heart into the performances. It turned out to be the highlight of the program for me, a sentiment that was echoed by many people afterward. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L16gvHAgxZo">This video</a> contains my favorite moments from the solo portion of the recital:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="334" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/L16gvHAgxZo" title="YouTube video player" width="540"></iframe></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">I took a couple minutes after the arias to try to regain some strength in my chops, and then returned to the stage along with the quartet guys: Jon Walton, Joe Christian, Brian Jennings, and Jeff Mize. I was really looking forward to this part of the program, and it didn’t disappoint. Though I was tired and fighting my chops the whole time, I thought we put together some good performances of the Thom Ritter George <i>Aria & Dance</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">, Jim Kazik’s <i>Ballade & Fantasia</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">, and an arrangement of the jazz standard <i>Fly Me to the Moon</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">. We followed up with 2 Johann Strauss polkas as encores, <i>Leichtes Blut </i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">and <i>Pizzicato Polka</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">. These were my Nanny’s favorite. For the<i> Pizzicato Polka</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">, we had a very special role for Jeff Mize. As we began to play, he slowly put on some black gloves and then pulled out of his pocket a single bell from a glockenspiel: an A-flat. He then used his mouthpiece as a beater and played along with us on the bridge of the tune. Everyone played really well, and I had so much fun I simply forgot about any tired chops.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxoXkUq24Z8">Here’s a video</a> of the quintet portion of the recital, including the encores:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="334" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VxoXkUq24Z8" title="YouTube video player" width="540"></iframe></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small;">In the end, I felt like I put together an enjoyable program of music, and the reactions I got were very positive. It was exactly what I had hoped it would be… a fun night of music-making and a learning experience. I got to share the evening with many friends and family that came in for the concert, and having the chance to finish out the evening with 4 great friends was the perfect icing on the cake.</span></div></div>Jeremy Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854342156909462164noreply@blogger.com0