Lucca, Kirchberg, Cluj, and Gent

What a crazy summer it’s been. From Italy to Germany to Romania to Belgium. And a few more chapters left (Netherlands, France, Switzerland)! There have been so many unexpected adventures, beautiful friendships, deeply personal and moving experiences. And of course, so much incredible music. Never enough incredible music.

Here’s a brief recap. More in-depth reflections in the journaling section.

July 19-31 Lucca, Italy

Belcanto & Virtuoso Festival! Had such a blast here. The people, the inspiration, the late night drinks standing in St. Michael’s square. The music was inspiring and intense, and the city of Lucca was breathtaking, everyday. So much gelato and pasta! I miss Tuscany already… la dolce vita <33

Recording of Beethoven Cello Sonata in C Major with the wonderful Akito Goto.

August 2-15 Kirchberg an der Jagst, Germany

International Music Workshop and Festival! This place was magical. A true hidden gem. Living inside a castle overlooking the endless horizon of rolling hills. The intensive chamber music from 9am-10pm (the first week ending every night with team Shosty quintet!!! <3) … the Mendelssohn Trio, Chopin Cello Sonata, Brahms Quintet, it was so wonderful to work with everyone and build these friendships :)

August 16-21 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

A spontaneous last minute road trip that turned into one of the highlights of this summer in Europe! The week spent discovering Cluj and bonding with my new Romania family are full of memories and emotions I will treasure… more thoughts and reflections on this soon. The all nighters on the rooftop just listening to Romanian folk music and chipping away at sunflower seeds, the sightreading party, the botanical garden, the salt mine, the illegal scooter rides, all the meat and cheese!!! And Mozart cakes! The ridiculous silly hopeless derping and adventures… what a peculiar coincidence, ‘fate’, for my wandering to bring me to this place and these people. <3…

Aug 22-31 Ghent, Belgium

Orpheus Instituut! This was a different kind of adventure. More calm in certain ways, but no less magical and emotional. My full cheesy spiel here.

“I found a new freedom in silence. In Beethoven’s story, a very special personal confidant. Being in that mindset, that physical state. The desperation and exhaustion of that aria, the lament, the wailing, the scream, and yet the passion and love for life and beyond. The joy. The triumph. The tenderness. Discovering some understanding transcending time and space. 200 some years later. Yes I feel you, I hear you, the unbearable love you’re trying to send to us all. This immortal tenderness.”