Osijek detour

 A small chamber orchestra formed by members of the Sarajevo Philharmonic met this week to rehearse Benjamin Britten's War Requiem. Later, we will join up with the chorus and musicians from Zagreb to put everything together. (The War Requiem is a massive piece that calls for chamber orchestra, full orchestra, three soloists, chorus, boy's choir, and organ.) After taking a class on Benjamin Britten a couple years ago, I became quite a fan of his works, so I'm really happy to be a part of this project. Also, I have never been to Zagreb (the capital of Croatia) outside of the airport, and can't wait to travel there and explore the city at the end of the month.

Because the full Sarajevo Philharmonic does not meet until next week, most of my friends have been out of town and the new America players do not arrive until Tuesday. On Wednesday night I was pretty nervous about being alone in my apartment in Otes, with none of my colleagues nearby. Fortunately, my very generous bassoonist colleague, Edo, and his pianist wife, Lejla, offered to host me until today, when most of the “Otes family” returns.

Edo and Lejla live in another small village outside of Illidža called Osijek in a beautiful house with a nice large yard. I had my own room, and they made me feel so welcome and comfortable. Their son, Daris, is an adorable, precocious kindergardener, who became quite enamored with me after we played in the yard. Trying to talk to a 5-year-old was a great way to practice my Bosnian, since I didn't feel so self conscious about my terrible grammar and awkward accent.

Of course, a visit to a Bosnian home would not be complete without a party. Last night, a few of my other colleagues and their kids came over to eat cevapi (eggplant for me) and enjoy the nice weather while it lasts. The party ended with a jam session, since Edo owns quite a few instruments, including a guitar, bass, drums, and accordion. I am a bit sad to leave such a nice home, but can't wait to greet many of my friends in Otes this afternoon.