Florence, Iceland, Rome and more...
29 November, 2010
It has been quite a hectic time for me during the past few months. Conducting the Opening Night of Opera House in Florence was certainly a highlight. Immdiately after that having to go to Iceland and experience the weird and wonderful volcanic scenery whilst discovering some wonderful restaurants after reherasals. After the Icelandinc experience going to Rome Opera as a last-minute substitute and finally going home to tie the knot. It has been a whirlwind three months but it was worth it.
I just love Florence and this time we found a lovely hotel on the other side of the river. The “non-touristic” side. It was a real find and I will definitely be going back to the UNA Hotel since it really is off the beaten track and yet still central enough to walk to the Opera house. I conducted my Concert Version of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with soloists, Indira Mahajan, Angela Simpson, Ronald Samm and Kevin Short. I have worked with these four soloists on several occasions and it is always such a pleasure to work with them. They know the score inside out and therefore we can all relax in our roles. The Maggio Musicale Choir did a fantastic job with the chorus parts. The Maggio Musicale Orchestra was in top form and very responsive to my interpretation of the piece.
Italy is unfortunately going through a lot of financial problems within the arts sector and it is a pity that the Theatres have to cancel various Opera productions because of budget cuts. The Theatre was packed on the night of the performance which goes to show that there is still a need and a place for music-lovers.
Whilst in Florence we discovered some wonderful Trattorias and Pizzerias. We always like to look for places which are tucked away from the tourist trails. Anyhow, I can say that we were not disappointed. Florence always has so much to offer muiscally, culturally and the array of wonderful little restaurants make it a joy to sample la cucina Toscana. I do look forward to going back. Hopefully some time next year.
Right after Florence I was booked to conduct in Iceland. This is my second visit to Iceland and I am always intrigued with the landscape. As the plane is touching down the surface looks like you are landing on the moon. There is this volcanic dark rock everywhere and it has a strange look to it. There are a few trees but the black volcanic rock is so impressive to look at. As soon as you come out of the airport you can smell this potent smell of sulphur. There are times when you think that the smell resembles more of rotten eggs. Whilst I was there I made sure I followed my driver’s advice – to drink as much tap water as possible. Icelanders are very proud of their water and so they should be. Iceland has many natural springs and is the best place to drink water. So I dutifully drank as much water as possible whilst there.
The programme was similar to that of Florence and the four soloists came to Iceland as well. The Orchestra manager gave us a list of restaurants to go to. She was absolutely spot-on. We tasted some of the best fish ever and also discovered the most wonderful Indian restaurant. Who would have thought that this would be possible? But I can assure my readers that this Indian restaurant was comparable to those of New York or London. Pity I cannot remember the name!
After the concerts in Iceland were over I went back home to get ready for my impending wedding. I received a call out of the blue asking me to fill in at the last minute for a concert at the Opera House in Rome. I was reluctant to go since this date was way too near to my wedding date. But my wife-to-be encouraged me to do the concert and she assured me that she would handle all the last-minute preparations. I am so very glad that I did go since I also managed to book a flight ticket fo my mother to come to Rome to attend the concert. She arrived in Malta for the wedding and as a surprise my fiancee brought her over to Rome for the night of the concert. Having my mother come to see me in Rome made me so happy. The Opera house in Rome is a gem and the days rehearsing with the orchestra was very rewarding. I am very pleased that I did manage to go there.
My wedding date was only a few days after my concert in Rome. So the plan was that we fly back home and continue with the planning preparations. I am sure I will write something about my special day in my next blog. For now though, I must pen-off.