15th April – Maribor
After a short delay this morning caused by a disorientated Slovenian bus driver the orchestra has reached the second destination of the tour in Maribor, Slovenia. It was indeed very interesting crossing the former border between Austria and Slovenia this morning, particularly as only two years ago the orchestra had to pass through a fairly rigorous passport control check-point before we could advance into Slovenia. These days, although the border control buildings are still there, the soldiers and duty free shop owners are not. It just goes to show that borders are merely a state of mind.
Last night the orchestra performed at the Stefaniesaal in Graz, Austria to a very full and appreciative local audience. They were particularly enthusiastic when Mark Padmore unexpectedly emerged from the audience during the final applause to sing a Schumann leid with the orchestra as an encore.
Tonight the orchestra will perform for the first official time of the tour with Mark Padmore and flute obbligato player Katy Bircher. It promises to be a fantastic concert because the orchestra’s memories of the hall in Maribor from last time are so positive.
After the concert tonight the orchestra is going to be taken to a local Slovenian wine cellar and restaurant to dine with the selected guests of the Maribor promoter as well as with the members of the Alumni Travel touring party. Although our stay in Maribor is only brief this time it has still been great to return to this reasonably small but culturally rich part of Slovenia.
Damien Low, Orchestra Manager
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