On the road again

FRANKFURT -- The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra flight to Europe to start a 12-city, five country tour went off without a hitch Tuesday evening. The orchestra party, which took up nearly an entire Delta plane, landed on Wednesday morning in a cloudy, chilly Frankfurt, Germany, and were bused to their hotel.

Parting at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport was bittersweet for those who would not see their families for nearly three weeks, such as the Woolley and Mozlin families, pictured. Left to right, CSO violinists Stacey and Kathryn Woolley, with Sidney Woolley in stroller, and violinist Scott Mozlin with wife Kim Boardman and their daughter Julia Rose.

Violist Denisse Rodriguez-Rivera, pictured with cellist Norman Johns, said that it was hard to leave her children. Retired CSO musicians Allen Martin (pictured) and wife Judy turned out to wish the players bon voyage. Many orchestra members were planning to stay in touch with children and spouses through international cell phones and e-mail during the grueling tour that for much of the time will mean traveling each day to a new city.

Others chose to take their families with them. Among the small children along for the ride were the 18-month-old twins of contrabassoonist Jennifer Monroe (who also brought her husband) and the 2- and 5-year-old children of violinist Eric Bates and cellist Christina Coletta. Despite little sleep, all fared well during the overnight flight.

Music director Paavo Järvi was already in Germany, preparing to conduct the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Wednesday night in Bremen. He has been artistic director of that ensemble since 2004.

The Cincinnati Symphony musicians will have a day off before performing their first concert in Frankfurt’s historic Alte Oper on Friday night. As they headed to their rooms Wednesday morning, some looked forward to taking naps, while others were already starting their sightseeing plans. A group of French horn, trombone and tuba players were discussing a visit to the famous factory in Mainz where Alexander French horns, the choice of the world’s top musicians, are made.

Many seemed elated to be in Germany.

"It's great. It’s wonderful," beamed flutist Jasmine Choi, who was planning to meet up with friends in Frankfurt.

More coming as soon as I catch up on sleep!