On the Road Again

We felt a bit of frustration that our stay in Vienna, a city with such a rich musical history,  was only 20 hours long, but that is the nature of a concert tour which is scheduled far in advance and dates and locations are based on numerous factors, including availability of venues, artists, etc.  

Today we flew to Dusseldorf and thankfully we will be here for two nights and long enough to get some laundry done. We are not yet halfway through this trip, and with a bag allowance of one each with weight limitations, it is impossible to pack enough for the duration of the trip. The orchestra members have large trunks that carry their instruments and dress clothes and are transported separately from concert hall to concert hall.   Many of them also pack a second set of clean clothes that they can switch out half way through the tour. Not us, so I have hand washed numerous items that are currently strewn all over the bathroom and have only sent out those items that just can’t be hand washed easily (slacks, sweaters etc.)  The hotel is quite accommodating with laundry but the fees are quite hefty.

Tonight was the Maestro’s dinner for the musicians and staff. This is a photo of Maestro Christoph Eschenbach, Music Director and Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra posing with the wonderful Kennedy Center Staff who meticulously handle all the planning, details and management of this tour.  It is a huge undertaking and they pull it off seamlessly   While they posed for the official Kennedy Center photographer who travels with us, I grabbed my shot too. 

The concert tomorrow night will include guest pianist Lang Lang.  I had the great pleasure of meeting him and his mother today.