Moderator absent...

barliman2001

Just wanted to tell you that from 3 May until 16 May, I'll be in the lovely coast town of Cefalù in Sicily, as 1st trumpet of the Filarmonici di Cefalù orchestra. We are rehearsing and performing two programmes, one containing Brahms' Second Symphony and Elgar's Enigma Variations, the second a mixed chamber music programme involving trumpets only in Elgar's Salut d'Amour and a wind ensemble arrangement of his Elegy.
The whole thing is organized by a cello player under the brand name of Symphonic Holidays, www.dacapo-travel.eu.
I presume - from my previous experience with Symphonic Holidays - that it will be a gorgeous event, with lots of glorious Italian food, sea and sun and sand, with little to no time to be spent at a computer. Expect me when you see me back. Ciao!

P.S.: For those who mght be interested in gear, I am carrying a one-brand-only gig bag containing my Courtois Balanced Bb for Enigma, my Courtois Roger Delmotte D for Brahms and my Courtois Bb/A cornet for the rest.

GeorgeB

@barliman2001

Sounds spectacular. Have fun and enjoy the beauty of Italy.
George

Kehaulani

How wonderful! I envy you. Viel Spaß!

I went for several summers in a row playing concerts for beachside cities in Sicily.

Spent the days in blue waters, white sand, pulchritude, outdoor Pizzaria. Then evenings, outdoor concerts in pleasant weather, then more great food. I was a pig in slop. What more could a little Hawaiian boy want?

Jolter

@barliman2001 said in Moderator absent...:

The whole thing is organized by a cello player under the brand name of Symphonic Holidays, www.dacapo-travel.eu.

What a lovely idea for a business!

I hope you'll have fun, and I hope to go myself one day.

barliman2001

@jolter The guy is a former lawyer who is now doing this. He bought a couple of houses in French abandoned village Bardou and started with chamber music sessions there, and now he's upgraded to full symphonic. I've known him for a couple of years, and you could not find a nicer organizer. Most competent - as a cellist as well - and always on the look-out for new players. Best possible service, too - no need to bring music stands or lights or anything, as everything in that line will be provided. For cellists and bassists and the like who can't take their instruments on flights, he can provide instruments and only recently commissioned a new double bass from a reputable maker for just that purpose. And it's not only music, either. Every Symphonic Holiday comprises sight-seeing outings, picknicks in lovely landscapes and enough spare time to do things on your own.

administrator

Wow. That sounds like a blast. I wish I had my EU passport already so I could join you. Hopefully the forum won't catch on fire while you're away.

Trumpetsplus

Bon Voyage! In the meantime I will cover you in Augsburg. VIEL SPASS!

barliman2001

@trumpetsplus Fischach, you mean. Thanks very much!

Kehaulani 0

Maybe he does mean to have fun.

barliman2001

As a few of you may have noticed, I'M BACK. Had a lovely time in Cefalù, with a sold-out concert as culmination. The orchestra was so perfect that with four French horns in attendance, there was not a single misplaced note!! We were honoured by the Mayor's and most Councillors' attendance, and had really frenetic applause and standing ovations. For a really un-Italian programme, that is fairly remarkable.
I've already booked my place for next year, which will put the spotlight on early 20th century music -a violin concerto by Florence Price and Kurt Weill's 2nd Symphony.

GeorgeB

@barliman2001

Wow, sounds like you had a great time. That's marvelous.

George

barliman2001

@georgeb Indeed, Cefalù with Symphonioc Holidays is always a treat. It's a great little town, with spectacular volcanic beaches and a very steep Rock as background, an 11th century Cathedral, no cars - the roads are too narrow - and a plethora of wonderful restaurants. Combine that with rehearsal rooms from the 15th century and friends in the orchestra who regularly meet there... a dream come true.

administrator

That sounds like a great time.

Dr GO

@barliman2001 said in Moderator absent...:

@georgeb Indeed, Cefalù with Symphonioc Holidays is always a treat. It's a great little town, with spectacular volcanic beaches and a very steep Rock as background, an 11th century Cathedral, no cars - the roads are too narrow - and a plethora of wonderful restaurants. Combine that with rehearsal rooms from the 15th century and friends in the orchestra who regularly meet there... a dream come true.

Any links? Can we get a taste?

barliman2001

@dr-go Here's the website, with all the info and lots of pics and stories:
www.dacapo-travel.eu

GeorgeB

@barliman2001

Just went to that website and it was truly amazing. A trip there would be something you would never forget.

And as for Sicily, well I have never been there but I have an Italian penpal who spends quite a bit of time there and she has sent me many videos and pictures, especially of the Lecara Friddi municipality where she and some friends are involved in restoring the Sinatra home where Frank's father was born and raised, as well as adding a Sinatra museum and foundation. Pictures of the countryside and seaside are breathtaking.
George