Almost Time to Tour

As the Rehearsal Camp here in Hong Kong draws to a close, a typhoon warning delayed our rehearsals this morning. Time to catch up some extra sleep, and also get some extra time to practice! Then in the afternoon, rehearsals resumed at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts.

A stormy day. Photo credit: David Sheets

At around 2:45 p.m. there was an excited buzz in the halls. The respected violinist Vadim Repin had arrived to join the AYO to rehearse Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor under the baton of Mr. James Judd.

Watching Mr. Repin play up close was more than just fascinating. His eyes focused on his bow which he set gliding through the air, and he plays with an air of class and confidence. AYO co-founder, the late Yehudi Menuhin, spoke of him as an artist of the highest regard. “Vadim Repin is simply the best and most perfect violinist that I have ever had the chance to hear," he had said.

The AYO is truly fortunate to have Mr. Repin as a soloist this summer.


Meanwhile, storm clouds hovered above throughout the rest of our Sunday afternoon. But, sounds from trombones and other instruments are heard filling the halls nonstop.

We have more rehearsals tomorrow morning, then we will fly out to Beijing. The 2017 AYO tour, a special World Tour this year, is about to begin.

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