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!

Community choirs perform alongside SSO

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.

Maestro Troy Webdell challenges the audience to more
vigorous clapping during the Radetzky March.

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.