G.P.

Today I had a surprise "return to my roots" as a conductor - I conducted "Korson Työväen Soittokunta" wind band for the May Day festivities back here in Finland! I used to play alto sax in this band as a hobby (you might be able to spot me in the pic above), so it was fun to return to conduct them after a long while. And I also received my first conducting lessons at a band camp in Tampere, from conductor Hannu Norjanen. The whole conducting thing for me started from wind band music although my main instrument was and is violoncello!

Too bad I did not have my camera with me to immortalize that fun event! We even had a famous Finnish rocker Jussi Raittinen jump in and play percussion in the section! But I do have some pictures from my last visit to Paris, so here you are...

My work place in Paris (that round building) as seen from the Eiffel tower

My friend Ludovic with piano soloist David Fray

"Oh, do I see my name there? I really have to work this week???"

First of the two concerts was a charity gala for Amnesty International

In the Théatre des Champs-Elysées you even have to tip the ushers!

Maestro Masur conducting Tchaikovsky

The New York Times reviewed the second concert before the ONF and Masur embarked on a US tour.