Ready, Set ... Go

Well after a couple of days of fine tuning this well oiled machine, we finally came to the start of the race. We started the day with a nice breakfast (no rush today). A couple of hours of individual practice time or leisure time followed then a lovely buffet lunch. After lunch it was time to load the buses with all the equipment and a van with the harp. Parco della Musica was our destination. It's a gorgeous hall where we saw the symphony on Saturday night. Once we arrived we unloaded and went straight to rehearsal on stage. What a different view from the stage! The concert began at 5:30 where the OYO started with Rossini's "Overture to Semiramide", then Elgar's "In The South". After our two pieces the Juni Orchestra (Italy's National youth orchestra) played three pieces. Then the two orchestras united on stage to perform Verdi's "Overture to Nabucco". What a performance! After the concert the OYO and the Juni went to Crile - Cucin ai Parioli for some really good pizza. Both orchestras mingled and had a wonderful time. Back to the hotel to pack and get a good night's sleep as we head off to Campobasso for our second concert tomorrow.