Saturday 25 April 2015

Five days in Sweden

It was a little sad to leave the start of spring in London - promisingly warm weather and clear skies - only to touch down in a very wet, misty and overcast Copenhagen Airport for the second leg of our  Swedish tour. But crossing The Bridge in that eerie mist was quite dramatic, if lacking in any kind of view!
The first outing for a new commission, a haunting and mesmerising short work by Andrea Tarrodi, was somehow apt for the weather outside on a quiet Sunday afternoon in Landskrona... and very well received. Returning to Malmo for a cosy evening meal in the lovely characterful hotel made up for the long journeys of the day.
Next day we returned to the fabulous hall in Malmo Paladium (Art Deco splendour and a great accoustic) followed by the warm hospitality of Martin and Andreas from Music i Syd for a great dinner after the concert. Here we had been happy to play the Tarrodi again but this time in the presence of the composer, who seemed happy with our treatment of it. Would love to get to know her other quartets.
Three more concerts followed - in Helsingborg the dramatic chamber hall with windows overlooking the harbour, boats flowing by seemingly in harmony with the music, I was reminded of the similar hall at Sydney Opera House, the Utzon Room, named after the architect of that iconic building. Lo and behold, this hall was designed by his son! The next day was a complete change of scene - playing high up in the castle at Kalmar, another room with a view of the ocean and - most appreciated by us - a 600-year old castle that was well heated! Warm audience too…encores followed by lovely fish soup reception! Finally, Oskarshamn - another gem of a hall within a school chapel, and the concert was preceded by an award ceremony for young musicians. Always great to see the support offered around the world when so much funding is being withdrawn through political apathy…
Up early the next morning for a four-hour drive back to C'hagen Airport to fly home. Such a glamorous life!




Cellfie spotlight.
Hi fans, just a couple of snapshots of my latest tour to Sweden. Was so busy..no time for more.
                           I really am the anchor of this group...


                                   People-spotting at the airport. 
                     Do our bums look big in this?
                     I'm all about that bass….

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