Pittsburgh Symphony 2008 Tour of Europe

Wuppertal’s concert hall is a sumptuous display. As is standard in large European auditoriums, there is an impressive pipe organ behind the stage.

The view from the stage…

…and to the stage from the seating area are breathtaking.

There are surprise details, too…

…these just a pair from many examples about the hall’s decoration.

It looks as though concertmaster Andres Cardenes is delivering a good punch line to conductor Marek Janowski!

There was a brief rehearsal before tonight’s concert, with just enough time to rehearse two encores, and the Brahms Violin Concerto with a new soloist. Here warming up is violinist Jeremy Black…

…and violinist Jennifer Ross.

Clarinetist Ron Samuels listens…

…as tonight’s soloist, Julia Fischer, rehearses with the orchestra.

Audience members eagerly await the start of the program.

Members of the orchestra were guests for a lovely dinner after the concert, hosted by the manager of the hall. The buffet consisted of German specialties, accompanied by regional wine and fresh local pilsner.