Philadelphia Orchestra U.S. Tour (2007) - John Koen

by the riverside

John Koen — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

main thing is we forgot the camera, so no pictures (also, it's not quite as exciting taking pictures of just around the corner). Rossen Milanov conducted this one. We did Tchaik. 5 (like on tour), but of course a different interpretation. Many of the principals didn't show up. Weather wasn't bad, actually (quite a breeze on that waterfront). I didn't play the Camden outdoor concert last year, so I thought it was in the same place as in 2005 and I could just take PATCO (subway between Philly & S. Jersey). Turns out I had to get off at Camden City Hall stop. Walked outdoors and 'Oh my God'. Rossen came and rescued us in his car.

Rossen's Tchaik. 5 was really good, by the way. Sound system sucked (have to look into that--what's the point of playing outdoor concerts if the audience can't hear half of it because the sound is screwed up?).

About to practice now (11:45 p.m.) Haven't had my good cello since Tuesday in Seattle. I expect to also practice tomorrow morning before the 11:50 a.m. train to D.C.

washing clothes

John Koen — Thu, 31 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

practicing on the Orange cello, getting reacquainted with the kitties, getting the air conditioners going (it's up to around 90 during the day), and getting repacked for the next trip, Oklahoma City for the International Society of Bass convention.

We officially like Seattle

John Koen — Mon, 28 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

First time on the tour it was really sunny! Of course, that's unusual for Seattle, but it was great. I even sunburned my left elbow. Good espresso wasn't as easy to find as it used to be (lots of Starbucks and fully automatic machines :(

Went bar-hopping after the concert (and lavish party by Maestro Eschenbach) on Tuesday until 4:30 a.m. No further details will be forthcoming.

Wednesday evening took a really nice sunset cruise in a sailboat. Will bring a jacket next time!

Got upgraded to first class for the return flight to Philly, so that was pleasant for 5 hrs. Of course, it's probably because all their Chairman's Preferred and Platinum members skipped over to United, but I'm getting upgraded a lot, so I'm pretty happy with US Air!

deciding what to do in San Diego

John Koen — Thu, 24 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Again, advance planning helps. Scheduled an afternoon flight late enough to do things in San Diego and still have time for San Francisco this evening, but Sea World doesn't open until 10, and is $60, but we'd have to leave around 1 to get to the airport with our luggage, and the whale sighting just stopped. There are some other things to do, but those were the best two. Maybe just a short city Harbor boat tour for an hour (and time to write something on the blog).

I was alternate for the concert, so I just put some dirty clothes in the orchestra trunk and came back to wander around the gas lamp district and have dinner. Then came back and uploaded tons of pictures from Omaha, Las Vegas & San Francisco.

Disneyland

John Koen — Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

up at the crack of dawn to get to Los Angeles, then drive to Disneyland. They close at 11 p.m.…

Found out it's best to do a bit more research before visiting Disneyland. California Adventure park closed at 6, and the main park at 8.

practice

John Koen — Sat, 19 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I took a good nap on the bus from San Francisco to Davis (about 1 hr. 45 minutes). Because I hadn't played since leaving Omaha, and I didn't really practice there (just warmed up), I spent about an hour before the concert practicing. Definitely worth it. Then I chatted a bit with colleagues during the Mozart (Goerne, the singer canceled). Then we did another Berlioz, so I saw nothing of UC Davis. I even forgot to take pictures of the concert hall. Chatted with colleagues on the bus on the way back. Terrible traffic in Oakland heading into San Francisco.

arrival in San Francisco

John Koen — Sat, 19 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Took the subway (BART) from the airport, checked into the hotel (Mark Hopkins Intercontinental, very nice), found a place for lunch, went down to Union Square and walked back in time to get ready for the bus trip to UC Davis.

Caesar's Palace

John Koen — Fri, 18 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We stayed at Caesar's Palace. Had a great lunch there, at Rao's. Amazing salmon on black lentils with Moroccan spices. Explored the hotel, picked up tickets to the Celine Dion show ("A New Day…"), took a nap (I got up at 5:30 a.m. to fly from Omaha). Then checked out the Bellagio next door and a little shopping. Show was really great, then dinner at "Noodle" in the Bellagio.

First stop

John Koen — Tue, 15 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I'm posting this a bit late, but it belongs on the 15th. I hadn't added anything since I went on tour because I had a very interesting experience in the Philadelphia airport on May 15. I arrived at the security checkpoint, and reached to pull my computer out of the bag, but there was nothing there...I had forgotten to put the computer in the bag!! I will be adding stuff in the next couple of days, but it's been busy and this has been my first chance to check into my travel blog.

Packing

John Koen — Sat, 12 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We had a rehearsal this morning on Tchaikovsky 5th and encores (Smetana Dance of the Comedians from the Bartered Bride, Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 5, Dvořák Slavonic Dance No. 8 in g), then the Mozart Sinfonia concertante (which I don't play). I got a haircut and will practice & wash clothes the rest of the afternoon. Tonight I'm the alternate, and everyone will probably be healthy, so I expect to just pack my trunks during the concert. I won't see my cello again until Tuesday evening, although I think I will keep one bow with me to play on my Orange cello at home.