[can you spot esther in the picture above?]
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Update from Thursday in Salzburg…
In contrast to yesterday, the weather was absolutely stunning, with the temperature in the mid-high twenties. We started with a walking tour around Salzburg, this time focussing on the history of the city rather than the Sound of Music (which is really just an English-speaking world movie and not highly rated by Austrians).
The guide for our group was also a musician, and she talked a lot about the musical history of Salzburg, including Mozart, Michael Haydn and various other composers. She also explained how all students in this time would have spent several hours a week learning philosophy – something I think would be great to do today! We visited Salzburg Cathedral which has 5 organs (that would make for an interesting composition…), as well as a couple of marketplaces (where many of us bought sweet pretzels), a cemetery, and the very beautiful Mirabell Palace and gardens.
Everyone then had a couple of hours to explore the town and get some lunch, before we headed off to St Gilgen, a picturesque lake village where we had our outdoor concert. Quite a few people heard us during the soundchecks, and came along, staying for the whole concert. It was also great to have some parents turn up to offer their support.
All five groups have improved their performance standard and we are now really looking forward to Vienna tomorrow! However, I will be sad to leave Salzburg – it’s not often you find a place that rivals the beauty of New Zealand, but Salzburg and surrounds come pretty darn close!
All of the groups performed at St Gilgen – 30 km out of Salzburg. Stunning location. They are all in fine form and really enjoyed themselves in the glaring sunshine ( in contrast to yesterday’s incessant rain ) The groups were all warmly received and a few “bravos” and standing ovations were noted.