Happy New Year
07 January, 2012
Looking back on the past year has made me realise that 2011 has been an extremely exciting year for me. The birth of my daughter Martina has been the highlight of the year and just before Christmas we moved to our new house. Professionally I have had some exciting times especially in Berlin at the Staatsoper where I conducted the Bernstein’s Candide.
I am now in Rome until the end of January. We are currently rehearsing for a different production of Candide at Rome Opera. I have a great cast and a very strong chorus. Today I will be commencing orchestral rehearsals. The premiere is on the 18th of January so there is a lot of work to be done up until then.
This past year has been an extremely exciting one for me as I have become a father. It has been absolutely wonderful and my wife and I are travelling with our little one. It has been amazing introducing her to the various orchestras, soloists and choruses with whom I have worked with. We are lucky that she is not a fussy baby and does not mind travelling. She also seems to adapt very well to the different places we go to.
We have also been extremely busy moving to our new house. It has been a very trying time moving our personal belongings in-between travelling and rehearsal schedules. We are now finally settled and it feels great to know that the hard work we put in this house for the past three years has been worthwhile.
Professionally, I can also say that I have been extremely pleased. My 50th birthday concert at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. Earlier this year I was invited to go to Beijing to perform an organ recital at the National Centre for Performing Arts. I was also honoured to be invited to perform at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. Whilst in Paris I conducted a number of concerts with Radio National de France. We also had a fantastic Christmas Concert in Salle Pleyel. I spent a number of months in Berlin rehearsing and conducting Candide at the Staatsoper. We then had another revival of the Opera in Berlin during the month of November. I did love the vibrancy of Berlin and was amazed at how many changes have taken place in this wonderful city.
I have some great things in store for 2012. I am looking forward to going to Russia to conduct concerts in Moscow and St.Petersburg. I am also excited to be going back to conduct the Cherubini Orchestra in Ravenna, Italy and WDR in Cologne. I will also be playing _Jasbo _with Berlin Philharmonic for a concert performance of _Porgy and Bess _ conducted by Simon Rattle. I am very much looking forward to a very busy year ahead.
Happy New Year to all.