I didn't expect to be writing a sequel, but here I am, signing onto Blogger for the first time in over 6 months, about to make another transition yet again.
I am returning to Sarajevo!
I'm delighted to be invited back by the Sarajevo Philharmonic and the Cultural Exchange Program for another 10 months. After coming back to the US last fall, I decided that I would like to write my doctoral dissertation about the recent history of intercultural and international collaboration in Sarajevo's classical music institutions. I'm looking into whether the institutions have promoted acceptance of diversity and how they've been a source of civic pride. I have so much to write about, so I'm working on refining my thesis and focusing my research... we'll see where it takes me!
Anyway, I really wanted to go back to Sarajevo to look for primary sources and to interview some of my former colleagues. However, since I'm getting a doctoral degree in music performance, it is very difficult to get research funding (most grants that I found were for PhD students only, not DMA students). So I asked the management of the Sarajevo Philharmonic if they would be willing to host me, and they offered me a contract for their 2013-2014 season.
I debated myself about the pros and cons of leaving again. By February of this year, I was finally able to settle in, find some work as a woodwinds teacher and an online personal assistant, reconnect to my Chicago-area community and get an occasional performance gig. It took what seemed like ages to readjust to the US, so I had to decide whether I could go through it again. Ultimately, I want to be in Sarajevo as I finish my dissertation, and I really want the chance to be an orchestral musician again. I took the contract.
I love Sarajevo, am eager to continue my dissertation research, and most of all, can't wait to start performing regularly again. But, moving between the US and Bosnia is always a huge adjustment and I'm a little bit nervous about my return. I have such good memories from my first season in Sarajevo, and naturally feel anxious about fitting in again. Regardless of whether it's rational, I feel like I'm 14 again and going back to school... Will my friends no longer like me? How much have I changed? How much have they changed? It seems so silly to have these worries, but there you have it.
Also, as my departure date nears (Monday!) I get sadder about leaving Ross again. He has a great job at Roosevelt University and a large studio at Fox River Music Academy, so he has to remain in Chicago until he can visit over the winter holidays. I am comforted by the fact that our relationship is strong, and we've already made it through being apart once before. I am so grateful to live in the age of Skype!!!
Now I have a little bit more packing to do, a few goodbyes, a frantic scramble to stock up on reeds and cane. And then...I'm off... Vidimo se, Sarajevo! (See you, Sarajevo!)
Stay tuned, friends. I'm going to be busy with my academic writing, but will try to blog as much as I can. I've found this to be a great way to stay in touch, and look forward to hearing from you. Fingers crossed it won't take quite as long to get internet access this time around!
