Today was my last "working day" on this master class - I conducted Ravel's "La Valse" and then was just listening to our piano session. No more working! Of course maestro Simonov throws his teachings around so that you cannot avoid learning from him! Today, for example, he gave a lecture on the importance of knowing the score and how to study it fast and efficiently. Then we went over and over again through some problematic passages of Strauss' "Don Juan", and in the end everyone in the class learned those places by heart! On the next master class, he said, everyone should know the pieces by heart before the first day! Quite a challenge!


Me conducting La Valse

After the piano class I could finally go and relax with my colleagues. We went to eat in a Japanese restaurant, and then to a cafe with live piano music. Needless to say we had great time (except maybe not the one person who had still some studying to do for tomorrow - she seemed a bit stressed nevertheless...)!

Later I also compared some photos with my colleague Cyril. So far these new entries are so boring, because you really need to see all that is going on here to appreciate it. As soon as I am back home I will update all the entries and put some nice photos here. So a bit more patience, OK? It will be good!