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2007 European Tour
On Monday, October 29, 2007, the Los Angeles Philharmonic embarked on an 18-day concert tour of England, France, Spain and Portugal. Check back here to see what the musicians are up to, as we post their tour journals and photos.
The End of the Tour
| Posted by Mick Wetzel in Madrid
Swiss Air
| Posted by Mick Wetzel in Madrid
TheThe Los Angeles Philharmonic, while on tour, is subjected to less than ideal conditions because of the travel schedule, performing in a new hall with its own unique acoustical challenges in each city, adjusting to unfamiliar sleeping conditions, etc. But every effort is made to make us comfortable so that we can best represent our country and our fair city of Los Angeles. Sometimes the conditions are challenging, but more often they are favorable and even fun. November 14
| Posted by David Howard in Madrid
For whatever reason, so much seems larger-than-life on this tour, whether it's on a grand or intimate scale: The audiences, rapt with attention and then tumultuous with applause. And then a casual encounter with a concertgoer coming to the stage and welcoming me to town. Shopping in the endless, dizzying halls at Selfridges in London, and then happening upon a tiny icon sale at a Russian Orthodox church next door to our Paris concert hall. (It's not so easy understanding Russian spoken with a French accent.) Being overwhelmed by an enormous Giacometti show at the Pompidou and a few days later discovering the perfection of the small Courtauld gallery in London.Saariaho
| Posted by Patricia Kindel in Paris
My favorite part of this tour has to be the songs by Saariaho [Quatres instants], which were sung fantastically by Karita Mattila. It is both a musical moment and, oddly enough, a visual one too, that will live on in my memory.Jogging in Europe
| Posted by Stacy Wetzel in Paris
One aspect of touring which I truly look forward to is sizing up the different exercise possibilities in each city we visit. I'm finding (as I advance in years!) that jogging not only helps me stay in shape, but actually keeps me alert for evening performances. I'm lucky that on this tour I've found the perfect running partner - my husband (and fellow Philharmonic violist) Mick! We staked out some pretty neat runs shortly after our arrival in London.November 13
| Posted by Robert Vijay Gupta in Paris
So far, we've been on this European tour for a little more than a week, and while the stellar level of music-making has been the main focus of my first tour with this orchestra, I've really grown to appreciate the determination and discipline required by members of a touring, first-class orchestra, especially given our challenging repertory. I didn't quite know what to expect from the whole tour experience, but I've learned that pacing oneself mentally and physically throughout the two-week journey is paramount. Many in this orchestra have become touring "veterans," but continue to practice and perform with tremendous intensity and integrity; one of our most vivacious members has been in this orchestra for more than 50 years! I respect him immensely. "Talk to the Train Manager"
| Posted by Leticia Oaks Strong in Paris
I'm not one to wander far from the group or participate in high adventure, so when I found myself stranded at the Brussels train station by myself with no credit card and very little cash, I wasn't sure what the outcome would be. I was on my way back to Paris from visiting my sister, who lives near Mons, Belgium. I had had a lovely time visiting with my nieces and nephews the previous day, and I had to get back to Paris in time for the 8:00 concert that night. My sister and her husband had arranged for my trip and with ticket in hand I waved goodbye at the Mons train station. Everything was great until I got to Brussels.Confessions of a Touring Trumpeter
| Posted by James Wilt in Paris
It was a dark and stormy night. OK, so maybe it wasn't stormy or night, but it was dark. When my alarm clock shrieked to life at 6 a.m., playing some hip British cross between hard rock and ritual sacrifice, I glanced through heavy slits and knew there had been some kind of terrible mistake. Yes, I had intended to set the alarm for 6:00. No, I had not planned on staying up "bonding" with my colleagues the previous night until 1 a.m. Sleep had been fitful and intermittent, woefully inadequate for the day that lay in front of me.November 8
| Posted by Dana Hansen in Paris
It is a truly wonderful thing to play with the LA Phil, but playing with this orchestra on a European tour is even better, in my opinion. Musically, everything has been completely exciting and beautiful. The fact that before concerts I get to explore Europe's treasures means I am constantly full of inspiration before I even step on stage.Interview with Esa-Pekka
| Posted by Mick Wetzel in Paris
I had a brief conversation with our Music Director, Esa-Pekka Salonen, backstage at the Barbican Centre in London, right after our rehearsal for tonight's concert: