Hello all! Thought I'd finally say hello and throw some pics onto the website as I am about to head over to Orvieto later today. As some of you may know I have been in Italy since the 23rd of July leading a choral and cultural program here in Spoleto, with trips to Bevagna, Assisi, and Perugia. We had an excellent vocal chamber ensemble, and great concerts, including at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. It was truly a joy to conduct and sing at all of these wonderful venues and historical places! In addition to rehearsing our participants every day, we organized cultural events such as a wine class headed by yours truly, a cheese tasting, a visit to an Olive Oil producer, etc. We have had fabulous clear weather throughout our stay. I am very tired but very happy with our concerts as we were invited to perform again next summer! Here are some pictures for you all to enjoy. The next three days I will be by myself enjoying wines in the town of Orvieto, and will report on what I drink as I will shift my focus from choral/vocal music to wines. I have had some great wines with our meals.
Here is a nice bottle of 2003 Fongoli Montefalco Rosso which surprised me despite the warm vintage; quite balanced and not over the top, elegant wet forest ground with fennel, dark cherry notes. A great every day Montefalco rosso.
Our waiter, Ronolfo, poses for a picture, showing off this beautiful summer truffle!
Some of our choral singers enjoy a lovely cheese tasting with beautiful cheeses from Umbria and Piemonte, soft to hard and aged cheeses.
...a picture of our poster for the Musica dal Mondo Festival in Perugia:
...and here is a picture of our group overlooking the Spoletino valley on a windy Sunday afternoon after singing for the mass in the main cathedral of Spoleto!
