Dear Supporters and Friends of “Matteo Ricci: His Map and Music”
We rehearsed yesterday evening (a piece by Bertali that we will do on the Venetian/Viennese program in venues that are not suitable for the Ricci project) and all are very excited about the trip. Most in the group have never been to China, so the feeling of anticipation is palpable and intense. There is this sense that we are about to collectively do something very special—cultural exchange with a cross-cultural program presented by a cross-cultural group of musicians (seven different countries/cultures represented). The mixing of early western and eastern musical types is fascinating, not to mention that we are performing newly-composed works to boot.
Many of the events, venues, and performances are of particular significance to us—the National Center for the Performing Arts, the US Embassy, the day of cultural exchange with a high school at the Great Wall, and a performance of the Ricci program at the Nantang Cathedral where Matteo Ricci preached.
As a young professional/student, I participated in several multi-disciplinary projects while living in Basel, Switzerland. I would never have been open to leading a project like this without having had those previous experiences. I hope that the younger members of our group may also have their eyes open in the future for projects like this should opportunity come knocking.
We have been communicating with some of the brass areas of the conservatories in Beijing. There might be the possibility for us to perform and demonstrate the instruments for them. As early music is a relatively unknown quantity in China, we are excited about making introductions!
Please wish us safe travels and a smooth placement of instruments on-board the aircraft!
Thanks to all for their support.
Linda
