Bears in Brevard

We were warned that a bear had been spotted roaming the area when we first arrived at Brevard two rainy evenings ago.


Brevard is a cozy small town in Transylvania County, North Carolina, that is also known for its white squirrels. We are staying at the Brevard Music Center Student Residence, which resembles a camp where only a steep climb along a rocky pathway would lead us to a charming view of cabin lights pouring through enormous trees. Bears or not, we love being out here in the wild.

Photo credit: Jessica Lin

This morning, we woke up to rain, making us slightly anxious about how the weather might affect the crowds at the concert tonight. No such need to be worried, however, as the hall filled up quickly. We had a full house! Soon, the beautifully lit Porter Center at Brevard College was also filled with the fanfare of trumpets and the AYO's exhilarating sound.


As our soloist Sarah Chang was surrounded by guests as she autographed CDs at intermission, they told her how excited they were that she had returned to Brevard; how the youths she had played with this evening were delightful; and how the AYO inspired them with joy. We are touched.

As we complete half of our World Tour tonight, with ten more concerts to go, one thing is for certain. The AYO is on a roll, performing with as much passion and energy as ever.

Meantime, a 14-hour bus ride to Long Island, New York awaits. Here we come.







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