Here, I try to update a little about my concerts and travel.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

United Arab Emirates, Oman, Quatar, Bahrain

On board on MS Europa

With the members of Kuss Quartet I played on MS Europa, going on board in Dubai and returning in Dubai after 8 days. MS Europa is a German luxury cruise ship. On the first night I realized the difficulty of playing on a moving boat! We performed various combinations of chamber music repertoire starting with the Schumann Quintet on the first night in the Gala concert. Every night we left one port and arrived at another early in the morning the next day. 

It was also my first time in the middle East. One of the most exciting event was our trip to the Qatar desert. The view was simply exquisite! 

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

Camodia

In September I was in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for the first time. I had never been to this part of the world and the experience was overwhelming. The city was chaotic,  filled with tuk-tuk ( like carts with motorcycle in front), grilled pork laying in the 30+ degrees on the streets, etc.

We played 4 concerts (2 trio concerts, solo recital and duo recital) and I had not expected such audience. I met an American lady, who explained that music for Cambodians are particularly significant to life. After what the country went through those who survived got together again to play music. She said that the hall was packed and as soon as the music started the entire room was filled with sobbing. The story was touching.

Indonesia

We performed in Jakarta and Yogjakarta, 2 completely contrasting cities. In Yogjakarta I experienced the traditional Java house where I had outdoor bathroom and monks chanting outside my room at 3:30a.m. every morning. It was definitely an experience. 

I was impressed with the music students there. There was so much enthusiasm in learning, and attending concerts.

Myanmar

In Yangon, aside from 4 concerts I also taught 10 piano students for 5 days.

To be very honest, on the first day I wanted to leave. There was no phone connection, very little internet and I was scared of some places I saw. But the 5 day-stay turned out to be an experience I will never forget. 

The Gitameit Music center is a music school where all the music seem to be happening in Yangon. The dedication of these students touched me incredibly. Please visit their website, www. gitameit. com

The country is fascinating. The Pagoda, the monks, taxis and old Japanese buses...

All in all this tour was an eye-opening experience!