More travels around New Zealand and a few Cellfies

So…
That drive from Napier to New Plymouth was amazing. The beautiful Lake Taupo, the mountains, steaming thermal springs visible in the distance, but best of all was the Forgotten Highway: 100km of winding precarious track, remote, eerie (no phone signal in case of problems!) and spectacular. That's what I hear, 'cos only the violins were daring enough to take that route, (they're used to altitude;)...) us more lowly players being boring and sensible and definitely missing out. Idiots! (Well, someone had painted me such a black picture of this one-lane track I honestly felt it would be mad to try it!)
New Plymouth was lovely, in the quirky and wonderful boutique hotel aptly named the Nice Hotel, because it is, well, nice… Eccentric, generous and fascinating host Terry and his brilliant chef make for a great team. The concert was especially fun as lots of young people turned up - always such a pleasure.
Next day we flew down to Wellington and had the joy of being able to totally unpack the suitcase as we were staying for four days in one hotel! (Good planning, CMNZ -thanks!) What a fabulous city Wellington is, with the splendid waterfront, fantastic Botanical Gardens, great venues and restaurants. And of course, the best coffee in the world. We had a short drive up to Palmerston North for a concert where, amongst others, were an old university buddy of Ian's, Paul's brother-in-law's family from Ireland, and my art teacher from secondary school 35 years ago! What a surprise and a joy to see her… That's what's so great down here: so many people have come from Europe or have links there, one really feels part of the culture. The evening was perfectly rounded off with a delicious curry cooked and transported to the venue by Jenny with fantastic forward planning, knowing no restaurants would be open that late!
Also a bonus of being based a few days in one place, on a free evening we were able to go to a Real Home! Lovely Peter and Catherine Walls invited us for a fab dinner in their gorgeous house with spectacular views over the city, sea and mountains.
In Wellington we were able to spend time with our excellent hosts, CMNZ, in their great new offices, where we spent a few hours rehearsing and doing interviews. Also hoola-hooping with the girls - an activity I'm told is quite popular to clear the head after a typical day of logistical headaches organising tours for string quartets and the like!

The concert at the wonderful Michael Fowler Centre was rounded off with a lovely reception with all the team as well as many old friends from the chamber music world, including members of the lovely New Zealand String Quartet who we first met over 30 years ago at Banff.

On we went the next day (through the Middle Earth that is Wellington Airport, see below)

and on to the sun trap and sleepy hideaway English-style town of Nelson. Simply lovely.  Great organisation by the local hosts and a fantastic Japanese meal in the hotel after the concert.

On today to Christchurch. What can I say? The devastation inflicted on this lovely city four years ago is still very much in evidence, but the spirit of community and determination shines through clear and bright. Most humbling.

Fantastic auditorium for the concert at St Margaret's College - and another lovely audience, one of whom had been a supporter of CMNZ since 1960! - and, joy of joys, Jenny brought another of her fantastic curries. Yum!

Back on the road tomorrow for the southern-most reaches of this amazing country.

Cellfies update

Hello again fans. I've been so busy these last days I haven't had much time for Cellfies, but here are a few I hope will amuse you.

A bit of downtime at CMNZ just hanging out with the gang…

we artistes can have fun too.

Posing with more Middle Earth celebrities at the airport.

Finally, a car that knows how to treat me! 

My own seat - and I don't have to be upside down!

Moving around the North Island plus more cello selfies (or Cellfies as they're now known!)

We've completed the first week of the tour and had a great time so far. Arriving into Auckland on St Patrick's Day really reinforced that feeling I always get on arriving down under. You travel half way across the world, as far as you can go, and emerge into a world which feels just like home! There were plenty of Irish pubs to choose from (though we were unlucky as the one we chose had run out of Guinness by 6pm!) Plenty of live music and "Craic" all over town. Also lovely to feel the warmth of the sun after a long European winter.
The first concert was in a lovely university concert hall in Hamilton, passing Hobbiton on the way though sadly no time to call in and see it for ourselves. This was the country's oldest music society and they were rightly proud of their great new auditorium, Gallagher Academy, which we heard all about with nibbles and drinks after the concert, audience and committee alike chatting like old friends.
Next day was Auckland, in the fabulous Town Hall, as part of the Auckland Festival. Had a great walk down to the bay with the committee then dined in the open under a spectacular sky, Jupiter and Venus vying for supremacy amongst millions of (unfamiliar) stars! And the next morning the Queen Mary sailed into port - what a sight!

Flying down to Napier, I was aware of its name from wine labels, entering as we were the famous Hawkes Bay region, but I didn't know about its Art Deco architecture, a silver lining on the cloud that was a terrible earthquake in the '30s. Re-building at the height of the style's popularity, the townsfolk decided to make their mark. It is truly wonderful - feels like walking through a Hollywood film set, old cars and quaint shops lining the streets. As it's one of my favourite periods of architecture I was delighted to wander the streets taking snap shots.

We had a short chat-show appearance on TV Hawkes Bay, which was great fun. Lovely audience for the concert later in the MTG Theatre and gorgeous after-show nibbles and chat again - well into the night with plenty of great wine!
We drove the next leg, across the North Island to New Plymouth. A seven and a half hour drive…. see next instalment!


More cello selfies - or "Cellfies" ;)

I must say, at my age (230) a transcontinental flight is somewhat challenging, but I made it. And look what was waiting to greet me on arrival at Auckland! I am a fan of Lord of the Rings so this is one of my most treasured cellfies yet! Drove past Hobbiton the next day too, but they wouldn't let me out of the car…meanies.

The view from my room (sea-view obvs) getting ready to hit the town on St Paddy's Day!

Cello travel-blog and selfies - Kuala Lumpur en route for NZ!

Just landed in Kuala Lumpur…flight this far was great. The humans got to lie down as the flight was so empty, so for once my 'cello seat' was peaceful and secluded. They usually insist on my being accompanied but why? … I'm not exactly going to get up and walk around the aircraft causing blockages or disruption. Just kicked back and watched a couple of movies… One day they'll actually remember to give me a meal or even a drink.
So here I am in KL International. As they thoughtfully provide airside trolleys (unlike UK airports  which inexplicably don't) I was able to put on my best tropical scarf and do a bit of exploring. Check out my selfies…
First had to wait while the humans got their coffee and wifi fix.. then I was off!

Getting a feel for this iconic airport.

If only...

Posing with local celebs.

Banstead with a spring in its step

Just came from lovely Banstead in Surrey, where spring had truly begun. The sun was beaming down on this pretty village as we arrived and we enjoyed a stunning sunset from the dressing room window as we prepared for the concert. Wonderful Katya Apekisheva joined us for the Brahms Piano Quintet - how lucky we are to have so many such fabulous works in our repertoire. She was particularly magnificent in the long theme with which she opens the slow movement. Sublime!

Great audience. We gave them a little encore - the Shostakovich Waltz from Jazz Suite no.2...with a twist - quotes from the composer's works for cello solo make unexpected  appearances throughout - guess who made the arrangement! (Look for our Petits Fours cd to hear it...) We were delighted to have some very enthusiastic youngsters in the audience who came backstage afterwards looking for autographs and perhaps to get their hands on that arrangement!