Postcard from New York

We arrived safely in NYC, got to the hotel and immediately went to lunch. Along with making music, eating is what musicians love to do, especially in New York. After all, we could not practice since our instruments were being driven across the States in a truck. So why not eat? After a great shepherd’s pie I slept most of the rest of the day. Many musicians went out to clubs, or stayed around the hotel to chat. Very relaxing.

On Friday we rehearsed onstage for a repeat of the Debussy/Monet concert that had been done at Touhill. Maestro Robertson was in a jovial mood even when he broke the tip of his baton. There were some truly magical moments during this concert. I found myself reveling in the lush sounds around me, marveling that I play in an orchestra that is filled with musicians who play from their hearts and souls.

On Saturday we rehearsed Mahler, Mozart and Feldman. Someone who shall remain nameless but who plays principal trumpet confided in Maestro Robertson that it was my birthday. Imagine my surprise when the entire orchestra played Happy Birthday! It was a moment I will always cherish. How many can say they’ve had a major orchestra play Happy Birthday to them on the stage of Carnegie?

Saturday night’s performance was really wonderful. A friend of mine who came to the concert raved, “Your strings play so sweetly. That is rare.” The audience really enjoyed the Mahler, giving standing ovations and bravos for quite some time. I would say that we are on a roll!

One final word: we have a marvelous group of staff and stage crew that made this tour go oh, so smoothly. Despite a few glitches, like when the truck carrying our luggage hit some scaffolding and the staff had to throw the luggage into cabs, they kept their professionalism and sense of humor. I want to thank them all for their tireless work, their patience, and their organization. They deserve a special standing ovation. Bravo!