Hey All,

So, here I am in the lobby of a very nice hotel in Moscow next to the arena where the concert with Sting is to be performed.  This has been quite a journey and I am not near finished.  While typing this I am listening to Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 to keep me in Russian mood of things.

I think that greatest challenge to this journey is that everyday is quite new.  There is no real norm or routine, of course besides brushing my teeth which is must for good music making. The place that I feel most comfortable is with the music itself.  But even that is skewed because the orchestras are always changing.  No matter it is an amazing journey around to the various capitals of the world.

I began in Sofia Bulgaria with a good orchestra.  However I was about begin rehearsal and the brass section just up and left.  It was surprising to say the least.  Fortunately, with my Jedi training I just went on and let the “force” guide me.  LOL  They did come back after a couple of minutes.  There was an administrative matter that they had to deal with ahem.  I have certainly learned to stay out of those matters especially when guest conducting and when I do not know the language.  We had a good 4 rehearsals and things ended up on a really good note.

Most of these stops are 4 rehearsals over 2 days.  One thing that I am starting to see more of are the orchestras having 3 rehearsals on the same day.  And I usually have them for two of those rehearsals so by the end of the day the players are really wiped out.  That is something that I have never seen in the United States for American orchestras.  Typically 2 rehearsal max on a given day.  But these groups do 3, three hour rehearsals a day.  It is really something.  My killer days happen when I have to travel and then have 2, three hour rehearsals.  I try to pace myself but by the end I am just exhausted.  Fortunately the rehearsals typically happen in the afternoon and evening so I can sleep in the next morning.

I am going to stop here and get ready for rehearsal.  I have just one rehearsal today so that is a nice change.  I will be entering more often now that I have some of the tour behind me.  Check back in a couple of days for some more updates.

Peace y’all,

CT 2