April in Paris

Finally, after three incredibly grueling days of planes and airports, we made it to Paris. I have to say, I stole a look at the musicians faces during the concert Thursday night in the Salle Pleyel,and they looked dead tired.

Here's some of the story as to why I've been incommunicado for a couple of days. Our Mercure hotel in Amsterdam's outskirts had no internet. Everything was down. Kaput. So from the time I arrived in Amsterdam until 3 a.m. the next day, when I dictated my review over the phone for the first time ever, I was trying to log on. Except for a lovely dinner with a Dutch friend, I totally missed Amsterdam.

But the concert in the Concertgebouw was the most amazing I've ever heard. The acoustics are so perfect, one cannot play an ugly sound. (See photo above.)

At 6 a.m., I was up to get ready for the plane to Paris. The orchestra flew Air France, and we all had an unpleasant surprise when we arrived at the airport -- baggage surcharges. Inter-city flights charge you per kilo for any checked bags over 20 kilos -- total. Musicians do not pack light (except for violist Bob Howes...) Some people paid close to 200 euros in extra fees.

But then we were in Paris!

What I really have enjoyed in all of these halls, is the public spaces. Both the Concertgebouw and Paris' Salle Pleyel have undergone renovations recently, and added comfortable seats and cafes. It was fun to see everyone dash for the bars and get their champagne and little sandwiches.

What fun, also, to walk outside the hall onto the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and see people crowding all the bistros along the street, late at night.

A bientot!