http://www.qzwb.com/gb/content/2012-01/02/content_3877376.htm
The translation boils down to--a very fine American orchestra! Four choral groups joined the 70 piece orchestra in the singing of two pieces in the second half of their 90 minute program. The program consisted of a blend of American and Chinese music to help carry out the mission of SSO--orchestrating a musical community--by using music to bring our two cultures closer together in awareness and understanding. This chance to travel and perform in six cities, sponsored and hosted by the Confucius Institute and Chinese government is the second China tour SSO has been invited to do. The orchestra was generously welcomed and hosted everywhere they went. Many new friendships and connections were made.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Warm receptions abroad
South Shore Orchestra is warmly received and graciously regarded as an orchestra of fine quality!
 |
| SSO makes front page news in Quanzshou and Xiaoshan |
Monday, January 2, 2012
Tour update from Quanzhou
South Shore Orchestra is almost through their seven concert tour of China performing the universal language of music for Chinese audiences from several regions surrounding Shanghai and also south near Quanzhou.
 |
| SSO members sporting their new red scarves. |
Their music has been received with great appreciation and they have engaged many warm smiles and gestures of friendship. Each concert has a unique memorable attachment--in Anji a local erhu player joined their performance and the local host/sponsor gave each member of the touring group a red scarf as a token of friendship and celebratory New Years greetings. Since that first performance, the orchestra has proudly worn them every performance as a token of gratitude and a symbol of why they have all come here--to share the universal language of music through each others cultural heritage.
 |
| Troy and Natalie larger than life at Yangzhou! |
In Yangzhou, north of the Yangtse River, the group was welcomed by a huge wall sized outdoor banner with Maestro Troy Webdell and soprano soloist Natalie Mann hovering over the SSO. The full bodied sound that emerged within this new theatre was quite extraordinary--resultant from collective expertise and collaborative rehearsal focus.
Xiaoshan was the site of their first New Year's celebration--the more vintage concert hall performance was hosted by a mobile phone company for their clients, employees and families--afterwards SSO celebrated with sparkling wine and shared reflections about the amazing opportunity to experience this cultural exchange while doing something they love--making music.
 |
| A tunnel of applause greeted us in Quanzhou. |
Traveling to Quanzhou by bullet train gave the group a chance to relax after the early morning wake-up call to get to the station on time in Hangzhou. Transporting 93 people in unison to each destination began as a challenge--but lately getting as harmonious as their musical orchestration. They acknowledge a second New Year’s being celebrated by their friends back home--we are 14 hours earlier than NW Indiana. Later, SSO arrives at their venue to a “tunnel of welcoming applause” by the multiple community choirs that will perform two songs with them this evening--it was a sight to behold! Each of the choirs--children's chorus, youthful girls, and men and women's groups were costumed and beautifully dressed to mark this occasion of New Year's celebration.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Day Six: A high speed train ride and a stellar evening with a cast of “thousands”
We rise reluctantly but obediently, scramble to return keys and load up the bus. We are also treated to a bag breakfast snack--juice, fruit and bun type creations. It’s too early to dispute the offering--it’s our only choice for the moment. We grab it and get into seats for the short ride to the train station in Hangzhou.
We arrive to a pretty congested traffic jam of other destined, departing travelers lumped in the only turnaround in front of the station. We are told to “Move it!” and we do, managing to grab luggage, instruments and each other to move to a less congested area in front of the entryway. Timing is good and we’re instructed to Move it again. This time we begin the task of our very long line of trailing up escalators, scurrying through security and finally getting to our loading line where we each get a ticket for the bullet train to Quanzhou.
We are located in one whole car and an additional half. The bullet train is sleek, and amply appointed with comfortable seats and trays and even a western toilet. (Another note about squatters and westerns later). WE have assigned seats, but it turns out it really doesn’t matter. Luggage and instruments are more the issue. Stashed and stored and everyone loaded in a comfortable seat, we head out to find the landscape lit with the morning sun (haze). Our speed is recorded on a digital monitor with time and upcoming stations. This
bullet has more stops, so speed is negotiated when approaching stations...otherwise think I saw it at 300! But I would go for a confirmation if anyone wants to comment to this!
Some visit, some nap, some play Scrabble and some seek some scenic strolling throughout the cars to see what a state of the art train like this looks like. There is a dining car and a bar car and of course our orchestral car. The train is quite crowded--we were car 14 and 15, and there were more beyond that. At stops, some people get out to survey the scenery from the platform, but are warned...it takes off quickly and stops are very briefly timed. We find this out before we arrive in Quanzhou--we are warned we have only two minutes to get off before the train starts up again. We are given some strategies on which luggage and larger instruments to grab first, who might need assistance with some things and as the train approaches, its like an opening night performance--waiting in the wings ready to enter stage right, stage left or wherever....SSO is ready. As the train stops, its 2:00 PM (we began at 7 AM). Its midnight at home (CST) so a cheer goes up from the standing crowd--HAPPY NEW YEAR--for the second time in 14 hours! PS Not only did we manage to disembark in two minutes. Someone timed us at 63 seconds! Amazing! What can’t they do?
So the line begins again--down an escalator and out to three new buses. Three new drivers, three new types of bus seats to adjust to for the next few days. WE motor to our hotel, noticing the change in greenery, trees, blossoms--this is definitely a milder climate than Shanghai. It feels warmer. Someone notices its around 60.
We scan the busy streets, shops, traffic (congested of course) and see its a busy metropolis. We pull into a huge parking area in front of a large hotel--the Carp City Hotel--complete with carp fountains and a split ascending driveway and impressive staircase. We are escorted to lunch first, bags afterwards. Another meal--sporting some new things--perhaps because of the regional offerings available. Once situated, we plan for the concert departure. This one will be at a community center theater. We are to be joined by a chorus that will perform two pieces with the orchestra, so we head over a bit earlier for some practice time.
We arrive to a large theater in a courtyard of shops. Members begin filing in and we hear something a bit unusual from the back of the line--applause. As we get nearer its louder, more consistent. Then musicians call back over their shoulders and report that we are being applauded as we enter--by large groups of children, teenagers, young people--as we each enter another round. Once in the theater there are more groups standing at attention--all applauding! Now that was quite a reception!
It turns out its not just a chorus, its about 250 choristers of all ages that have come together to celebrate the new year with us being the key to the New Year celebration in this city. Dressing for the evening in a variety of regional costumes, individuals want photographs with all participants--Sandy Keiffer was a popular choice--she’s tall and a genuine smile to share. Joanna Truemper too--surrounded by would be peace signing youth. Many of the women chorale group found the support group wives--and wanted images taken with them. After the concert there would be more of the same photo ops with orchestra members being the targets and celebrated. We all feel welcomed before the event even begins.
The orchestra support group “guests” are seated in a place of honor--two rows of white carved seats in front of the really special guests--local officials and high ranking officers. WE were told to not stand, move or photograph from our vantage point so as not to obstruct the real special guests. It was an amazing vantage point, without digital evidence--only the absolute proof positive of what a fantastic performance! Heart and soul from both performing groups SSO and all of the choral groups. WOW! And who knew there were words to the Radetzky March. The sentimental Yangstse River was stirring and heartfelt by both groups--citizens and newly introduced musicians--all were celebratory as was the entire evening.
It was videotaped by local news and front page news the next day! Reported to be a fine American orchestra. We would eventually report back to our Facebook friends and family members that it was a mighty fine audience and venue as well. We thank Quanzhou for such a reception and welcoming response.
Back to the “ranch” (our hotel) for another terrific dinner! Surprise at the hotel..lots of receptions--New Years is a festive time for weddings to take place and that there were--several in progress.
Added guests that joined our diner were friends of Elizabeth Rexford SSO member--former Oak Park residents and music appreciators who currently reside in China as teachers. They traveled with another couple from their city a few hours away to share in South Shore Orchestra’s adventure.
We arrive to a pretty congested traffic jam of other destined, departing travelers lumped in the only turnaround in front of the station. We are told to “Move it!” and we do, managing to grab luggage, instruments and each other to move to a less congested area in front of the entryway. Timing is good and we’re instructed to Move it again. This time we begin the task of our very long line of trailing up escalators, scurrying through security and finally getting to our loading line where we each get a ticket for the bullet train to Quanzhou.
We are located in one whole car and an additional half. The bullet train is sleek, and amply appointed with comfortable seats and trays and even a western toilet. (Another note about squatters and westerns later). WE have assigned seats, but it turns out it really doesn’t matter. Luggage and instruments are more the issue. Stashed and stored and everyone loaded in a comfortable seat, we head out to find the landscape lit with the morning sun (haze). Our speed is recorded on a digital monitor with time and upcoming stations. This
bullet has more stops, so speed is negotiated when approaching stations...otherwise think I saw it at 300! But I would go for a confirmation if anyone wants to comment to this!
Some visit, some nap, some play Scrabble and some seek some scenic strolling throughout the cars to see what a state of the art train like this looks like. There is a dining car and a bar car and of course our orchestral car. The train is quite crowded--we were car 14 and 15, and there were more beyond that. At stops, some people get out to survey the scenery from the platform, but are warned...it takes off quickly and stops are very briefly timed. We find this out before we arrive in Quanzhou--we are warned we have only two minutes to get off before the train starts up again. We are given some strategies on which luggage and larger instruments to grab first, who might need assistance with some things and as the train approaches, its like an opening night performance--waiting in the wings ready to enter stage right, stage left or wherever....SSO is ready. As the train stops, its 2:00 PM (we began at 7 AM). Its midnight at home (CST) so a cheer goes up from the standing crowd--HAPPY NEW YEAR--for the second time in 14 hours! PS Not only did we manage to disembark in two minutes. Someone timed us at 63 seconds! Amazing! What can’t they do?
So the line begins again--down an escalator and out to three new buses. Three new drivers, three new types of bus seats to adjust to for the next few days. WE motor to our hotel, noticing the change in greenery, trees, blossoms--this is definitely a milder climate than Shanghai. It feels warmer. Someone notices its around 60.
We scan the busy streets, shops, traffic (congested of course) and see its a busy metropolis. We pull into a huge parking area in front of a large hotel--the Carp City Hotel--complete with carp fountains and a split ascending driveway and impressive staircase. We are escorted to lunch first, bags afterwards. Another meal--sporting some new things--perhaps because of the regional offerings available. Once situated, we plan for the concert departure. This one will be at a community center theater. We are to be joined by a chorus that will perform two pieces with the orchestra, so we head over a bit earlier for some practice time.
We arrive to a large theater in a courtyard of shops. Members begin filing in and we hear something a bit unusual from the back of the line--applause. As we get nearer its louder, more consistent. Then musicians call back over their shoulders and report that we are being applauded as we enter--by large groups of children, teenagers, young people--as we each enter another round. Once in the theater there are more groups standing at attention--all applauding! Now that was quite a reception!
 |
| Community choirs perform alongside SSO |
 |
| Maestro Troy Webdell challenges the audience to more vigorous clapping during the Radetzky March. |
It was videotaped by local news and front page news the next day! Reported to be a fine American orchestra. We would eventually report back to our Facebook friends and family members that it was a mighty fine audience and venue as well. We thank Quanzhou for such a reception and welcoming response.
Back to the “ranch” (our hotel) for another terrific dinner! Surprise at the hotel..lots of receptions--New Years is a festive time for weddings to take place and that there were--several in progress.
Added guests that joined our diner were friends of Elizabeth Rexford SSO member--former Oak Park residents and music appreciators who currently reside in China as teachers. They traveled with another couple from their city a few hours away to share in South Shore Orchestra’s adventure.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Day Five: Happy New Year to All--14 hours earlier than you!
Today’s ride is a bit longer--about four hours--so we head to breakfast with a mission--on the road by 8. The elevators today were a bit challenging--or at least our trying to leave at the same time made it so.
We arrive in Xiaoshan--again a very large city with so much building going on. It’s hard to imagine them all being filled. Many high rise apartments erupting in rows in every direction, sometimes obvious that they are replacing much smaller buildings with rubble as evidence in the surrounding blocks. There are cranes everywhere. There is a lot of highway construction as well.
Our routine continues with hotel lunch, check in, departure time disclosed for the venue and then off to another performance. We venture through the city amid traffic--a few near misses. It is hard to tell where one neighborhood begins and another ends--it is all so big. We see a large structure ahead that appears to be a theater. It takes our buses a bit of maneuvering to get through the maze of porticoed entrances.
Enter stage right! Tonight’s sponsor is a mobile phone company, The theater is not new but it’s quite grand! about 1000 capacity. The hall is filled with families. The “support/family” group waits to be seated in areas that are not filled...not too many tonight. The hall opened at 6:30 and the beautifully appointed lobby was host to lots of conversation. The concert begins at 8 and the last of those lobby chatters, stream into find their ticketed seats. Our group adjusts a few seats that were “held” by those arriving at the last minute. The music begins and its another evening of musical exchange. Intermission hosts two young musicians entertaining the crowd--both quite accomplished--one on piano and the other on a Chinese flute. Both perform remarkably and add evidence to how much appreciation is given to music by this culture.
The concert goes well. There is a continuing stream of local political and mobile phone officials that come onto the stage to meet the soloists, maestro and orchestra. Then its back for a late New Year’s dinner and a toast to the group with a little sparkling wine. And then the announcement--a very early wake up call time! 4:30 call for our bus ride to Hangzhou to get to the train on time. Won’t be too much late night celebration tonight...or will there be? Some of our younger members think the best strategy for the early wake up call is not sleep at all!
While most are turning in for the night, fireworks begin and mark the celebration for the New Year for all of China. China observes only one time zone even though it’s width is much broader than the US. Timing is everything! Fireworks amplified! Imagine a satellite image may reveal a fairly noticeable light show blip from space...fitting for the the culture that invented fireworks!
This New Year’s celebration is just a warm up as the traditional Chinese New Years will be celebrated on January 23 this year. Everyone is treated to a week holiday with two weekends on either end. It is a time for family travel and true celebration! It is the Year of the Dragon!
We arrive in Xiaoshan--again a very large city with so much building going on. It’s hard to imagine them all being filled. Many high rise apartments erupting in rows in every direction, sometimes obvious that they are replacing much smaller buildings with rubble as evidence in the surrounding blocks. There are cranes everywhere. There is a lot of highway construction as well.
Our routine continues with hotel lunch, check in, departure time disclosed for the venue and then off to another performance. We venture through the city amid traffic--a few near misses. It is hard to tell where one neighborhood begins and another ends--it is all so big. We see a large structure ahead that appears to be a theater. It takes our buses a bit of maneuvering to get through the maze of porticoed entrances.
Enter stage right! Tonight’s sponsor is a mobile phone company, The theater is not new but it’s quite grand! about 1000 capacity. The hall is filled with families. The “support/family” group waits to be seated in areas that are not filled...not too many tonight. The hall opened at 6:30 and the beautifully appointed lobby was host to lots of conversation. The concert begins at 8 and the last of those lobby chatters, stream into find their ticketed seats. Our group adjusts a few seats that were “held” by those arriving at the last minute. The music begins and its another evening of musical exchange. Intermission hosts two young musicians entertaining the crowd--both quite accomplished--one on piano and the other on a Chinese flute. Both perform remarkably and add evidence to how much appreciation is given to music by this culture.The concert goes well. There is a continuing stream of local political and mobile phone officials that come onto the stage to meet the soloists, maestro and orchestra. Then its back for a late New Year’s dinner and a toast to the group with a little sparkling wine. And then the announcement--a very early wake up call time! 4:30 call for our bus ride to Hangzhou to get to the train on time. Won’t be too much late night celebration tonight...or will there be? Some of our younger members think the best strategy for the early wake up call is not sleep at all!
While most are turning in for the night, fireworks begin and mark the celebration for the New Year for all of China. China observes only one time zone even though it’s width is much broader than the US. Timing is everything! Fireworks amplified! Imagine a satellite image may reveal a fairly noticeable light show blip from space...fitting for the the culture that invented fireworks!
This New Year’s celebration is just a warm up as the traditional Chinese New Years will be celebrated on January 23 this year. Everyone is treated to a week holiday with two weekends on either end. It is a time for family travel and true celebration! It is the Year of the Dragon!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Day Four: Over the Yangtse River and our next concert
Today begins early and we are all on the bus by 8 so that we may make the few hour trek northward to Yangzhou. We crossed the Yangtse River to find its breadth amazing--no small tributary, it was bustling with commercial traffic. We arrive to another huge, beautiful and complex city, certainly busy with traffic, commercial centers, sidewalk vendors, and gardened walkways.
Our hotel is a chain. We caravan to the one we thought was it finding out it was further down the road...so we did a turnabout or what our bus leader referred to as bus rodeo and circled our wagons and headed the other way--no small task for three large buses. As noted before this traffic has a mind of its own--cars, trucks, cyclists and any other pedaled mode of transportation with pedestrians added to the mix, so it was quite a feat. When we did it twice, probably not a common accomplishment--although I did refer to our drivers as exceptional!
We are greeted with a lunch that is quite elaborate, then do the key distribution and room check in. Most of our hotels are large but have limited elevators. Take 90 focused bag-toting customers--it takes a while to get everyone where they want or need to be. The violins head for a sectional session while some explore--some found the Jade Market and one found a noted historic garden within a short walk and distance from our hotel. The group is getting adventurous in seeking out what is available in the limited time they have to shop or soak up the culture. The weather has been conducive for walking...it is warmer than it was when we first got here and no rain.
The concert hall is quite a distance from our hotel, so its round up the entire gang--groupies and/or family members too--and all go at once--departing at 3:45. We arrive at a brand new concert hall with beautiful grounds and landscaping and even dancing fountains that will be colorfully lit in the evening skyline.
The large red balloon archway that reads Happy New Year is complimented by red banners that float beside it with South Shore Orchestra printed in Chinese characters. As we go through the architecturally sculptured entrance we find familiar faces branding the wall size signage! Troy and Natalie hover like giants over an image of the orchestra. Everyone is impressed and dives for their cameras and a chance to line up for a photo op of this cool welcome--not your everyday back hometown welcome!
The venue is beautiful and as we find out very soon, richly adept to wrap and convey a full bodied and crisp and fresh orchestral sound. Meng and Brannen determine the sound delivery from several points while soloists and musicians test difficult transitions within the space. Our engineer hooks up our taping session, photographers test angles and vantage points and last minute details are dealt with before the orchestra wraps up some short rehearsal notes.
Back in the “green room” the orchestra awaits their formal entrance and the beginning of the concert. Snacks are provided and conversation fills the void before they meet their audience. Meanwhile the “groupie” group do not have seats--we have to wait until we are shown what is available.
The orchestra enters, each with their new red scarf that was a memento from our first kind sponsors in Anji. Their gift now becomes a signature of this New Year’s tour and we will wear them proudly each concert as a symbol of our mission here--exchanging our two cultures through the universal language of music.
Our hotel is a chain. We caravan to the one we thought was it finding out it was further down the road...so we did a turnabout or what our bus leader referred to as bus rodeo and circled our wagons and headed the other way--no small task for three large buses. As noted before this traffic has a mind of its own--cars, trucks, cyclists and any other pedaled mode of transportation with pedestrians added to the mix, so it was quite a feat. When we did it twice, probably not a common accomplishment--although I did refer to our drivers as exceptional!
We are greeted with a lunch that is quite elaborate, then do the key distribution and room check in. Most of our hotels are large but have limited elevators. Take 90 focused bag-toting customers--it takes a while to get everyone where they want or need to be. The violins head for a sectional session while some explore--some found the Jade Market and one found a noted historic garden within a short walk and distance from our hotel. The group is getting adventurous in seeking out what is available in the limited time they have to shop or soak up the culture. The weather has been conducive for walking...it is warmer than it was when we first got here and no rain.
 |
| Happy New Year SSO! |
The large red balloon archway that reads Happy New Year is complimented by red banners that float beside it with South Shore Orchestra printed in Chinese characters. As we go through the architecturally sculptured entrance we find familiar faces branding the wall size signage! Troy and Natalie hover like giants over an image of the orchestra. Everyone is impressed and dives for their cameras and a chance to line up for a photo op of this cool welcome--not your everyday back hometown welcome!
 |
| Bailey Wantuch, Elizabeth Rexfor and Karen Byrd |
Back in the “green room” the orchestra awaits their formal entrance and the beginning of the concert. Snacks are provided and conversation fills the void before they meet their audience. Meanwhile the “groupie” group do not have seats--we have to wait until we are shown what is available.
The orchestra enters, each with their new red scarf that was a memento from our first kind sponsors in Anji. Their gift now becomes a signature of this New Year’s tour and we will wear them proudly each concert as a symbol of our mission here--exchanging our two cultures through the universal language of music.
 |
| A standing ovation and two encores! |
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Day Three: Arrival in Anji and the first concert!
 |
| Signage welcoming SSO to Anji |
When the buses--we are traveling in three--pulled up we were greeted by signage that welcomed the American symphony south of Chicago. Many lined up to get photographs of themselves with the digital posters in the lobby that announce our performance tonight. An elaborate process of getting and then distributing room keys takes about 10 minutes now after a few days of practice. Our group gets their own luggage, instruments and belongings to the lobby and awaits further instructions--time for lunch, time for rehearsal, and time for the concert.
 |
| What's that on my head? |
It is the also the day of our first concert--Loaned/rented instruments--cellos, bass and percussion--have arrived and the\ orchestra will have a few hour rehearsal to prime them for tonight's concert. They are all ready to do what they came here for--perform!
Several take a stroll up the mountain pathway behind our hotel in search of vistas, returning
with reports of pleasant but overcast views.
The concert begins at 6:30 in a hall adjacent to our hotel. People attend as guests of local
companies, one being a large office furniture firm in this district. It is our sponsors whose
employees are invitees as well as local officials. Tonight, even a well known local erhu player
will join us in a piece.
companies, one being a large office furniture firm in this district. It is our sponsors whose
employees are invitees as well as local officials. Tonight, even a well known local erhu player
will join us in a piece.
 |
| Soloists bid the audience a rousing salute at the conclusion of the Song of the Yangste River |
The room fills, the concertmaster cues the orchestra and then Maestro Troy Webdell enters after his introduction and then bows to the audience with a booming welcome and Happy New Year in Chinese, to which the audience enthusiastically responds with great applause.
Spring Festival Overture, a traditional boisterous and beautiful piece by Chinese composer Li Huanzhi, engages the audience in what will be an evening of entertainment threaded together with music from both cultures. Operatic solos by Natalie Mann, Sean Kroll and Jin Jin are complimented by a striking composition by David De Boer performed by saxophone soloist Stacey Maugans. Adults and children of all ages show their enjoyment with audience participation, clapping along to some of the recognized tunes and lots of smiles and offerings of welcome. A rousing response is returned with the the Song of the Yangtse River, a most notable Chinese and sentimental piece loved by all. Afterwards, many come up to photograph orchestra members or share their English skills affirming their appreciation of the fine performance.
As is the norm now, we dine afterwards, sharing the rewards of the evening--reflection about this intriguing place, its warm and generous people and what’s on our radar for the next day. Our hosts Jinyuan and Ruiling Meng make it a bit more festive by treating us all with a large enough birthday cake for Kathleen Brannen--another of our trip coordinators. A good time was had by all. It was even more celebratory when the Brannen’s luggage finally caught up with them after three days--it seems it took a bit of a detour and went to Emerits.
Spring Festival Overture, a traditional boisterous and beautiful piece by Chinese composer Li Huanzhi, engages the audience in what will be an evening of entertainment threaded together with music from both cultures. Operatic solos by Natalie Mann, Sean Kroll and Jin Jin are complimented by a striking composition by David De Boer performed by saxophone soloist Stacey Maugans. Adults and children of all ages show their enjoyment with audience participation, clapping along to some of the recognized tunes and lots of smiles and offerings of welcome. A rousing response is returned with the the Song of the Yangtse River, a most notable Chinese and sentimental piece loved by all. Afterwards, many come up to photograph orchestra members or share their English skills affirming their appreciation of the fine performance.
As is the norm now, we dine afterwards, sharing the rewards of the evening--reflection about this intriguing place, its warm and generous people and what’s on our radar for the next day. Our hosts Jinyuan and Ruiling Meng make it a bit more festive by treating us all with a large enough birthday cake for Kathleen Brannen--another of our trip coordinators. A good time was had by all. It was even more celebratory when the Brannen’s luggage finally caught up with them after three days--it seems it took a bit of a detour and went to Emerits.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)