It's been a wonderful day and has served it's purpose in helping the orchestra adjust to the time difference. It's essential that you make the adjustment quickly, otherwise you find yourself unable to give the concerts the kind of focus and concentration necessary. It was nice to be playing together after several days of travel. To me the museum looks like a tremendous ship, with sails unfurled, being driven along by the wind. The concert was a greatly appreciated by the audience.
European audiences are well-informed and quite intense.
The flight from Bilbao to Barcelona was filled with spectacular views of the snow-capped Pyrenees Mts. European concert halls are much smaller than their American counterparts. The Palau de la Musica seats around 1200 to 1300, whereas Music Hall in Cincinnati seats over 3000. With passionate singing, impeccable guitar playing, and the pounding rhythmic sounds of stomping, clapping and castanets, the CSO was treated to a delightful performance. After a short nights sleep, we were off to explore some the sights of this beautiful city.