Before Bassano

After three full days of rehearsing in the idyllic countryside of Rovato, we will shortly be on our way to Bassano del Grappa to perform at our first concert in Europe. Curtains will go up at 9:00 p.m. and butterflies signaling our excitement are in the air.

Reflecting back on the three days here, we are reminded of how blessed we are to be working with three wonderful conductors - Mr. Bamert in addition to Mr. Judd and Mr. Pontzious. They push the orchestra to reach up to the sky for heights never imagined possible to reach. With each being an artist of different flare and style, we are being inspired more than threefold. And the sectional faculty teachers, whom we saw back with us in our Rehearsal Camp days in Taiwan and Hong Kong, are our treasured mentors in the art of making music. How precious is our time with them.



Meantime logistics is at work. Early this morning, general manager Mr. Lau with our travel advisor Mr. Peterson called a tour briefing for all. Some of the points?

-- After the concert and clean up we will be back at our hotel late at night.

-- We will be leaving on a bus early in the morning - it will be a 12-hour ride to Toulouse.

-- It is important that everyone is on the same page to ensure safety, a top priority, and every one of us keep to a schedule.

As we travel to different destinations, Mr. Lau reminded us, "It's important for us to travel smartly and safely."

Our luggage ready to be loaded in the a.m.!

Enjoying time in Rovato with faculty before our long bus ride. Photo credit: Harty Tam

A 12-hour bus ride? Yes, it's a long one but it's no more than our 15 hours on the bus in the U.S. from North Carolina to New York. Such is being on the road with the AYO - our adventure continues.

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