May 2004

Finally, today I will be on a flight, at least I hope. Just received word that the flight has been cancelled and hopefully we will be able to get another flight.On top of that my pass and visa are (hopefully)at the airport, the pass for my violin has not arrived and many other little things. I have not been on a tour that needed so much last minute organizing, but thanks to my mom it looks like things are going to be ok. Sometimes I feel like a little kid again She did not only help out with all the paperwork of the violin, helping to find another flight, came home with a beautiful new concert dress, but she even helped pack my suitcase! Sometimes I wonder what I’d do without her!
It is my first time to Russia. First I will be going to Nizhnyi Novgorod and then to Moscow. In Nizhnyi Novgorod is the Sakharov Festival and I will be playing at the opening concert with the Kremlin Philharmonic (and no, the conductor is not Putin!). I am scared to death, my first concert is Tchaikovksy! Sometimes I wonder if I am crazy, making my debut with the concerto that probably every Russian can whistle, but that is what the organization chose. After that I will be traveling to Moscow. I am playing there with Ksenia Bashmet, the daughter of Yuri Bashmet. On the program is Beethoven, Schnittke and Ravel, and I am curious to see how things are going to be. The organizers of this trip (Holland Music Sessions and Gaudeamus) have done a really good job of realizing that often as an artist you don’t get to see much of the city. So I have an extra day in Moscow after the concert to do some sightseeing.

I really should do some scales now and some more Tchaikovksy, so hopefully my next entry will be from Russia.

Greetings,
Carla

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