6/2 - Day at the Palace (kind of)

no, not the forbidden palace, but the palace of nationalities where the philadelphia orchestra played 35 years ago on their historic trip to china. although it wasn't my favorite hall (acoustically), it was cool to "return" to where history was made by this orchestra. i believe 10 of our current members played that concert in 1973.


inside the palace of nationalities


in the lobby

on the way there, we passed by tian'anmen square and outer gate of the forbidden city as well as some massive buildings. even the road was huge w/ at least 5 lanes on each side. and still there was traffic!


tian'anmen square


outside the forbidden city

today's concert not only marked the 35th anniversary of a performance. in response to the recent tragic earthquake in china, the orchestra wanted to do something to help. along w/ private donations from the musicians, our staff coordinated w/ the state of pennsylvania to raise nearly 2.5 million dollars (so far) and our concert was to be televised all over china as well as several other countries w/ information on how and where to send help. although we are not on the front lines w/ so many of the brave volunteers, i'm thankful our orchestra can take part in such a worthy cause.

during our rehearsal and concert, pauline was shopping for gifts and spending time w/ her cousins (who apparently are skilled hagglers). so i met up w/ them for dinner. fortunately, they were not that far away so i took a taxi (so inexpensive!) and enjoyed a delicious meal w/ them.

picture coming soon