Pittsburgh Symphony 2008 Tour of Europe

The interior of yet another bus. The orchestra will often spend several hours on the road, followed by hotel check-in, some practicing in the room, a quick dinner, another bus ride to the hall, and last but far from least, the evening’s concert. Plans made earlier in the day for excursions after the concert often get cancelled, substituted by sack time.

Today’s flight to Amsterdam involved some waiting time in the Valencia airport. Violinist Peter Snitkovsky sits in a sunny window.

An orchestra member’s child sleeps during the wait…

… a bridge game develops…

…and flutist Jennifer Conner reads.

The orchestra starts their first full day in Amsterdam with a morning rehearsal. From this point in the trip the orchestra will perform different repertoire and with a new conductor, Marek Janowski. Timpanist Tim Adams has his mallets arranged at the ready, the back of the case decorated with the sign of the Caped Crusader.

Tim is enjoying a view of the rehearsal hall’s ceiling!

Violinist David Gillis.

Conductor Marek Janowski waits at the podium for the start of rehearsal.

And what is Tim doing now?! PSO’s 2nd trumpet Neal Berntsen glances with amusement at the visitor in his section as Tim mimes a warmup.

Rehearsal is underway.

The repertoire for the tour now includes concerti. Today the orchestra rehearses with violinist Leonidas Kavakos who will perform the Brahms concerto this evening.

Amsterdam is a city of surprises. This immense Rubber Ducky floats in a pond near the orchestra’s hotel.

Heineken beer is brewed here…

…people travel by boat on the canals…

…and the wonderful flat topography is perfect for cycling, though this vehicle isn’t going anywhere for a while. Local variety shops have well-stocked bicycle sections, complete with pumps and spare tires.

Open air markets go on for blocks, the fresh fruits and vegetables a real temptation!

The Pittsburgh Symphony’s poster for tonight’s concert. The orchestra also played a Brahms encore for the enthusiastic audience.

Amsterdam’s hall, Het Concertgebouw, is a delight, visually and sonically. From the impressive pipe organ…

…to the steeply banked stage, it is filled with light, and the merest whisper from the orchestra carries to every corner of the auditorium.

Violinist Laura Motchalov smiles as she warms up on stage.