Performing in Prague
Time has flown by. From Italy to France to Spain, then back in Italy. Onwards to Switzerland and Italy for the last time, then Germany. Now we are in Prague. We have loved Europe and Brussels will be our last destination after this.
Just imagine, only 28 days ago we'd been so eager to try out authentic American hamburgers and cherry Coke in Washington, D.C. That was before our first concert al fresco at Wolf Trap in Virginia.
Today, across the Atlantic, we are in the Czech Republic, savoring, in the rain its capital city's romantic charms, including its eclectic assortment of medieval gothic, gilded baroque, stylish art-nouveau, and minimalist cubic structures and buildings. At every turn of Prague's cobblestone street corners, too, from Charles Bridge to Prague Castle and the Old Town Square, one senses a Bohemian air of the melodies of Czech composers Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana.
Smetana Hall, named after the composer, is the centerpiece of Prague's Municipal House, a celebrated and significant public building and also the city’s largest concert hall. Under the stunning art-nouveau glass dome, the hall seats 1,200.
"I've missed you all," Sarah Chang exclaimed to the orchestra as she walked on stage for rehearsal. It was so nice to be reunited with our beautiful soloist once again. She will also be performing with the AYO at the final concert in Brussels.
When it was time to perform, the hall was packed, floor to ceiling, front and back. The program was Strauss, Sibelius, and Beethoven.
On stage, Mr. Pontzious, was in black, looking handsome, Ms. Chang was elegant in magenta, and the orchestra members all looked serious and sharp in grey. Not only did they look wonderfully harmonized on stage, they performed to perfection.
A resounding standing ovation followed. Smiles rippled through both the audience and the orchestra.
Just imagine, only 28 days ago we'd been so eager to try out authentic American hamburgers and cherry Coke in Washington, D.C. That was before our first concert al fresco at Wolf Trap in Virginia.
Today, across the Atlantic, we are in the Czech Republic, savoring, in the rain its capital city's romantic charms, including its eclectic assortment of medieval gothic, gilded baroque, stylish art-nouveau, and minimalist cubic structures and buildings. At every turn of Prague's cobblestone street corners, too, from Charles Bridge to Prague Castle and the Old Town Square, one senses a Bohemian air of the melodies of Czech composers Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana.
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| Smetana Hall |
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| Municipal House |
Smetana Hall, named after the composer, is the centerpiece of Prague's Municipal House, a celebrated and significant public building and also the city’s largest concert hall. Under the stunning art-nouveau glass dome, the hall seats 1,200.
"I've missed you all," Sarah Chang exclaimed to the orchestra as she walked on stage for rehearsal. It was so nice to be reunited with our beautiful soloist once again. She will also be performing with the AYO at the final concert in Brussels.
On stage, Mr. Pontzious, was in black, looking handsome, Ms. Chang was elegant in magenta, and the orchestra members all looked serious and sharp in grey. Not only did they look wonderfully harmonized on stage, they performed to perfection.
A resounding standing ovation followed. Smiles rippled through both the audience and the orchestra.
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