Moving an orchestra by train

This morning, after not much sleep last night following the Frankfurt concert, all 115 or so of us in the CSO tour party hopped an express train to Munich. There was just one little problem -- the train was new and the seating system was old. So the numbers on the seats didn't match our tickets. A few people were nomads for a while but I think we all found seats.

Some of us were wishing the U.S. had such quiet, clean transportation. We were lucky enough to have our suitcases trucked ahead last night, so all we had to do was enjoy the ride. Paavo was on the train, as were board member John Palmer and his wife Farah, who had attended last night's concert, as well as Paavo's concert in Bremen.

We also shared the train with at least six small children of CSO musicians. They have become good travelers, but a few parents are starting to worry now that the tour pace is stepping up. We'll be on another train tomorrow a.m. bright and early.

Here are a few photos of the kids on the tour: Twins Jack and Catherine Monroe with parents Jennifer (contrabassoon) and Carlton Monroe; Madeleine and Isabelle Judge 9, with mom Mary Judge (librarian); and Sam and Henry with parents Christina Coletta (cello) and Eric Bates (violin).