daniel smith

Sorry for the very short entry! Unfortunately no time to write today – so busy! Made it through to the final 5 and will be conducting the piano concerto in the concert tomorrow night :) That’s all the news I have – sorry! Ciao ciao! I have a LOT of preparation to do now tonight [...]

Too much to think about! Arghh. But all good :) One of the most amazing parts of this course is that I must rehearse (yes, REHEARSE) the orchestra for 1hr per day (wow) – this is tough. Rehearsal technique is probably the most important aspect of conducting. Too much talk and the orchestra sleep, too [...]

Yep, the above title is true :P Today was the first day with the orchestra. Fantastic! We had roughly 45-60mins each to rehearse and learn with the orchestra – my whole conducting technique is changing! (for the better of course hehe) – I am learning to control myself inside with minimalist gestures – makes a [...]

Yup, after 10hrs (10am-8pm with breaks) the conducting auditions are over – so draining! There are 20 people left from which Maestro Gulke will choose a few as active participants – I’m the youngest and most inexperienced but I’m working as hard as I can :) The standard is VERY high and the 2 pianists [...]

This city is going nuts! Tonight marks the start of the Salzburg Festival (with fireworks throughout the whole city at midnight). People are everywhere and most streets and bridges are closed today due to preparations for fireworks, giant screens, etc. I’m really excited! I hope I get to see something (my accommodation is out of [...]

Harro! Today I went to the Salt Mines! :P The reason Salzburg exists! Amazing! Was about 40mins drive out of Salzburg city. Also visited a recreated Celtic Village (the first people to settle here) and went into Germany (Bavaria) – wow! Absolutely stunning scenery! Drove past the past “Hangman’s Hut” – where the hangman lived! [...]

Hey! Last night went to a chinese restaurant for dins – quite possible the worst ever experienced hehe. Then, what do you do after you finish your meal and walk outside and it’s a huge hail storm? and you have no umbrella and are staying 5mins walk away? Run like hell :P Luckily only small [...]

Hey Everyone, Today is my first full day in Salzburg and it’s starting to get a little tough with no one around that I know – yes I’m homesick hehe. Finished all my washing and packing in Wien (obviously) and made the trip here yesterday – my back is so sore hehe – 2 trains [...]