Mozart Evening – Danish Chamber Orchestra

I am in Graz, between two Mozart concerts. I travelled from Budapest to Denmark for rehearsals, then flew on to Austria. Not the shortest route, but now we are back on stage at the Stefaniensaal with Danmarks Underholdningsorkester, conducted by Ádám Fischer.

This time it is an all-Mozart programme: the overtures to La clemenza di Tito and The Magic Flute, the Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major, and finally the Jupiter Symphony. Our soloist is Sophie Dervaux, principal bassoon of the Vienna Philharmonic, who is also active as a conductor. She is an exceptional musician, and the concerto is a delight. It also made me reflect on how important it is that seeing women as soloists and musical leaders should simply be a natural part of concert life.

We have been returning to audiences in Graz for years, and their warmth and attentiveness make these visits special. We also performed in Salzburg in the spring, so this is our second Austrian appearance this year. Of course, spending time away from family is part of all this. I am taking the train home: a few hours to read, study, rest – or watch a gloriously pointless television series. Then it is back to the Liszt Academy with Danubia for The Infanta.