G.P.

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Me, Richard Harvey and our concert master right after the concert

Last week I was working in Manchester, UK, at the Royal Northern College of Music. I conducted The Tempest by Jean Sibelius for a lunchtime concert with the Concert Orchestra, which is a really interesting concept. They make a short concert (max. 30 min.) every other week with just one tutti rehearsal plus a dress rehearsal. I guess this is the way to make the students get used to the fast pace of working we all know from London orchestras. Nevertheless, the students were very fast and our concert was a big success.

During the week I also gave a master class to the conducting students at the RNCM and mentored one of their postgraduate students, Richard Harvey, who also shared the podium with me in the concert. All in all it was a very enjoyable week. As I have mentioned before, the school has great facilities and a positive vibe about it, and I am glad to return for a project next year as well!