Deborah in the Finals

The final day of the competition is past. I did not make it to the finals, but my friend Roberto was awarded Third Prize. Congratulations! There was no First Prize unfortunately. The jury seemed not to know exactly what they wanted, since so many experienced conductors were voted out in the previous rounds. I am convinced there were conductors professional and worthy enough for the First Prize! But this is how it went this time...

How Ivan felt after the semi-final results...

The Orchestra Philharmonique de Luxembourg did a heroic job playing many big works in the finals without rehearsal. There was Firebird, Brahms 1st and 2nd symphonies, Brahms Haydn variations and last but not least Rahmaninov 2nd and 3rd symphonies! I want to congratulate and thank the orchestra and its wonderful players. Hope to see you in the future!


The Valley (photo by Ivan)

Now all that is left is to pack and leave Luxembourg behind! It is a beauty among cities I must say. I don't know when I will return, but the sooner the better!

P.S. The next competition will be in 2010!