Xiaohan in front of our hotel on arrival in Kassel. The schedule here is tight, with only an hour or so to get organized in the hotel before heading off to the Friedenskirche for rehearsal and the concert. We have to take concert clothes along, because there isn't much time between the rehearsal and concert either, just enough for some snacks provided in the parrish hall and a quick change of dress before tuning and the downbeat.
The acoustics in the Friedenskirche were really excellent, making it a bit easier to interact comfortably after such a jam-packed schedule all day. The Kassel program consisted of the Elgar Serenade, Dvorak Serenade, MacMillan "Two Canadian Sketches" and Tchaikowsky Serenade.
The concert was supported by a very major sponsorship from the KasselerBank, whose chairman gave an eloquent welcome to the orchestra and many invited guests at the opening of an elegantly catered reception.
Canada's Cultural Attaché Astrid Holzamer travelled to Kassel from the Canadian Embassy in Berlin, and after the concert a lovely reception was sponsored by the Embassy.
From top: Nurhan and Mig with Ms. Holzamer; Mary-Beth chats about the orchestra with Mig, Ms. Holzhamer and impresario Andrea Hampl; Liza and Albina share a small-world moment with a Canadian musician who is now a member of the Orchestra of the Kassel State Theatre, the oldest orchestra in Europe.
Portrait of two happy and tired violinists after a great concert... Mary-Beth and Martin at the reception.
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