The past week and a half has been full of rehearsals, getting to know my new American colleagues, settling in...
The orchestra had its season opening concert last Thursday night. We played four Wagner overtures as well as Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations, featuring a fantastic Russian cellist. Not a bad way to build up my endurance after a year of playing only a few easy gigs.
The concert went okay, despite my awkward English horn reed chirping in the opening bars of Tristan and Isolde (whoops). The orchestra seems a little bit tense, and sad, since the budget has been slashed and money is very tight. No receptions and our late October concert has already been cancelled. I really hope that things start to turn around soon. It seems to me like Sarajevans place a lot of value in their cultural institutions, and the philharmonic has a history of perseverance during difficult times, so I am trying to remain optimistic that the orchestra will manage to overcome their current financial struggles.
I feel very fortunate to be a part of a small chamber orchestra, invited to Zagreb to participate in a performance of Britten's War Requiem, alongside other musicians from throughout former Yugoslavia. We leave bright and early, tomorrow morning. I've never been to Zagreb, outside of the airport, and I can't wait!
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