Bravi AYO

The bus sped through roads, unhesitant at entering countless rotunda, circular junctions, where road traffic flows consistently counter-clockwise as if on a merry-go-round. We finally arrived at our destination, Teatro Remondini which is a performing arts theater in Bassano del Grappa. Although clear skies, the forecast warned of a storm later in the evening. A quick decision was made to switch plans: we will perform not outdoors as planned but move indoors to a smaller, cozier hall.

Brass players warming up

This evening, the first concert in Europe this World Tour was off to a good start. It was Strauss and Beethoven, with Mr. Pontzious conducting first. As if at perfect timing, rumblings of thunder fell offering nature’s perfect theatrics to complement the power of AYO’s music on stage. As lightning and rain pelted down on rooftops, showers of bravi rose from a delighted audience.

After intermission, Mr. Judd took the baton, this time for Mahler. Our trumpet players, backstage, again played their instrument for the opening bars. I find this always a suspenseful and fascinating preface. Then, after the last joyful note resounded through the hall, the audience rose entering a round of rhythmic clapping with even louder cheers of bravi.

Trumpet players backstage for Mahler 

It was truly a dramatic and amazing evening.

By the way, we did squeeze in time to see a little of the medieval Bassano. After acoustic rehearsals on site earlier in the day, we took a quick walk, getting a feel of this comune, enjoying some gelato, and purchasing souvenirs from nearby shops. At AYO we are quick at turning on the tourist side in all of us.

Early tomorrow we will cross the Italian-French border to Toulouse. It will be a 12-hour bus ride. Half of the world’s roundabouts are in France, I just learned, so we will be enjoying more merry-go-rounds on the road, I guess. Buona notte meantime.