Breathtaking Ravello
Up, up, and up. Our bus ride of endless swaying uphill along the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast finally ended at Ravello Belvedere of Villa Rufolo, our destination in Italy. What unfolded before our eyes was magical: a stage built out from the glorious mountains over the glistening waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The Belvedere looks out over a jaw-dropping panorama. the stage, built out over the sea, is re-constructed each year for the festivities.
Then suddenly a concern set in as time for acoustic rehearsals approached. The sun was high above us, pouring sunlight directly on the stage. When exposed to heat and humidity, an instrument’s wood expands and the glue that binds its seams can melt, resulting in cracks. The rehearsals needed to be delayed by an hour, waiting for the sun to move on.
But we did squeeze in time to explore the area and its shops, making sure we had a scoop or two of gelato to cool off.
Sunset. The concert would start soon. Our brass trumpets and horns shone gentle reflections of the sun's last rays of the day. The sky was painted pastel, brushed by gentle breezes. Tranquility and time going by in the blink of an eye played parts on nature's perfect canvas right before us. It was a breathtaking moment from which none of us could take our eyes off.
Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor with Mr. Vadim Repin on the violin was first. Next, a perfectly dynamic Mahler.
Behind AYO's passionate music, the day transitioned from day to night. The distant lights from the Amalfi Coast shimmered.
So eager we were to rush out and climb up the stairs to the stage where the AYO would perform tonight. We wanted to check and see for real how this stage was set, jutting out as if an overhang with the sea right below and around us. We were both awestruck and thrilled!
Then suddenly a concern set in as time for acoustic rehearsals approached. The sun was high above us, pouring sunlight directly on the stage. When exposed to heat and humidity, an instrument’s wood expands and the glue that binds its seams can melt, resulting in cracks. The rehearsals needed to be delayed by an hour, waiting for the sun to move on.
But we did squeeze in time to explore the area and its shops, making sure we had a scoop or two of gelato to cool off.
Sunset. The concert would start soon. Our brass trumpets and horns shone gentle reflections of the sun's last rays of the day. The sky was painted pastel, brushed by gentle breezes. Tranquility and time going by in the blink of an eye played parts on nature's perfect canvas right before us. It was a breathtaking moment from which none of us could take our eyes off.
Soon crowds started to arrive. Guests in light cool cotton and flowing summer dresses, all looking elegant, took their seats under the sky.
Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor with Mr. Vadim Repin on the violin was first. Next, a perfectly dynamic Mahler.
Behind AYO's passionate music, the day transitioned from day to night. The distant lights from the Amalfi Coast shimmered.
Bravi, AYO, here's to another performance that truly moved hearts. The delightful applause surely reached the distance to the moon and back!
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