So next for me was to fly to Gdansk Poland.  Another very lovely city with a rocking orchestra.  We had good weather and orchestra was exceptional.  Really high level playing, good facility and instruments.  The big thing here again was working with a translator.  She was really good but translated EVERYTHING I would say in great detail which kind of slowed the rehearsal process down.  Even when I sneezed she would translate that for them into Polish.  It really forced me, in a good way, to keep my comments to the orchestra short and sweet.  And I tried to use as many Italian musical terms as possible in addition to singing.  And trust, I’m no Sting.  From what I heard from the band, this orchestra really unleashed some fierce playing in the concerts.  I think one of the better dates for the band.

From Gdansk I went to Aalborg, Denmark.  Another new country for me.  The weather was kind of cloudy and chilly which is typical for this region during this time of the year from what I understand.  I did not know much about the orchestra or this region.  I was in for a wonderful surprise.  I got to the hall for rehearsal and it was a nice space and they were wonderfully organized.  I got on the podium and said “Good Morning” and to my amazement they said a hearty good morning back to me.  IN ENGLISH!!!!  I could finally go back to speaking English with this group and that was refreshing on so many levels. The other thing that was cool about them was that before I had arrived for the first rehearsal they had hired conductor to take them through the music earlier in the week.

So we are in the first rehearsal and things that typically would go wrong or were problematic with past orchestras are not happening.  And I’m thinking wow, they really can play, what a great ensemble.  At the interval I found out about the extra rehearsal.  As a result things came together really fast.  The other thing I loved about this group is that laughed at my jokes.  You know that is going to score points with me.  I had them cracking up if I may humbly say so myself.  We really made a good connection from the get go.  Even with the weather I was sad to leave.  Next I will share the Germany and Prague experience.  That is all for now.

I will not be around for the July 4th concert but if you are in the area come and check out the SOST July 4th concert at the Julie Rogers Theater in Beaumont at 8 PM under the direction of Dr. Jimmy Simmons.  It is going to be a wonderful concert and following the concert step right outside and enjoy the fireworks.  

More to come.  Peace.

Chelsea