GTOC: Back home

Happy to be back in the US. Luggage will arrive later today, whew!
My general impression of China is fairly negative - it's a polluted, money grubbing communist state. There are some gorgeous scenery and nice people, but on a whole, I'll pass.
More soon!

GTOC: update Tokyo

We are delayed in Tokyo and will head out Friday morning on our #greattourofchina. It has been very long, but grateful to be in a hotel and confirmed for the morning flight. I celebrated with a Rocky Patel cigar in the hotel bar on the top floor.

GTOC: Bon voyage concert

It was a delightful sendoff for YOSA at Convenant Presbyterian Church last night. The first group heads out today and the rest of us leave tomorrow, meeting up in Beijing on Thursday night!

GTOC: YOSA Rehearsal

The first rehearsal for YOSA's #greattourofchina got underway this morning! They are playing some fun rep, here's Troy Peters in action with the group.

The farewell concert is Monday night at Covenant Presbyterian Church and the tour goes June 16-28. Follow my travels with YOSA on the KPAC Blog here and I'll post more personal details here, ooo ohh. ;)

Up on the rooftop

Three friends hanging at a party downtown! Soon Dave & Steph will be at the Grand Teton Festival - while I head to China and New York this summer. We got to spend some good time last night though downtwon at Artpace!

China behind the scenes

Here we are in San Antonio talking about next week's concert of YOSA before we head out to China. Troy Peters is here and I'm behind the camera along with YOSA's marketing person, Nicte Hayes.

RIP Lees

I was really bummed to hear about the passing of Composer Benjamin Lees this last weekend. I first met Lees in 1994 in Wichita for their 50th anniversary and a celebration work he wrote for the orchestra ans Zouhuang Chen.

Years later (about 10) I interviewed him for 20/20 Hearing in Las Vegas. I will post that audio soon.

Then friend in a chamber ensemble brought his name up having worked with him on a few quartets.

Rest in peace.