Things are going really well here in Freiberg—I’ve been learning and performing so much beautiful music by Brahms—it’s quite an experience! Our Liedermatinee performance at Würlitzer Park was well received with three encores and I had the pleasure of performing on a remarkable Bechstein grand piano: it possesses a rich sound, perfect for performing Brahms.
This will be my busiest week of performances, starting on Wednesday evening in Freiberg with a Brahms Liederabend concert at 7:30 pm in the Petrikirche. Next weekend will be loaded with back-to-back Brahms Liedermatinee performances in Zwickau at the Robert-Schuman-Haus.
An interesting twist (and a change of pace) involves a little opera by Puccini. I was asked to join the Mittelsaechsisches Theater Opera Orchestra to play the organ and celeste parts for the opera Suor Angelica, by Puccini. What a treat—especially for pianists—who get few opportunities to play as part of an orchestral ensemble. The rehearsals have been fascinating, and a bit of a challenge, since they are conducted and communicated entirely in German. Despite the communications gap, it has been well worth the effort and an unique honor for me to be playing alongside a group of fabulous instrumentalists! The opera productions are also this week: Thursday at 7:30 pm in the Döbeln theater, and Friday at 7:30 pm in the Freiberg theater.
I’m looking forward to sharing more pictures and updates from these performances later in the week. Until that time, I better go practice!
Please enjoy a few photos taken by me before the last week’s concert at Würlitzer Park.
Liz
