daniel smith

Am just sitting here at one of my favourite restaurants in Siena, having some tuscan-style soup – it’s incredible! Tonight is the 3rd last night of the course and the first public performance. Puccini’s Tosca is on the menu, the complete opera. Tomorrow, rehearsals as per usual and then Monday, the general rehearsal and final [...]

A conductor was having a lot of trouble with one drummer. He constantly gave this guy personal attention and much advice, but his performance simply didn’t improve. Finally, before the whole orchestra, he said, “When a musician just can’t handle his instrument and doesn’t improve when given help, they take away the instrument, give him [...]

Exactly one week more of work in Siena. One thing I have realised, there is no such thing as a sick day for a conductor. Thus today, back on the podium for Brahms’ 3rd Symphony rain, hail or shine. Careful scheduling is a must for this avenue of work. Perfect scheduling for work, study and [...]

I am happy to say that I am recovering and will be back in the world of conducting again tomorrow (I hope). I have had to take the last two days off but although still not fully recovered should be able to continue down this seemingly endless path. A few days back (on the day [...]

Hi everyone :) I’m sorry I haven’t written over the last few days, it has been so busy to the point we hardly have time to eat and also I have become sick. So the good news is I am writing in the blog just now because I am in bed. Unfortunately am on triple [...]

The Human Tomato. When in rome, wear sunscreen (and a hat!). Yesterday was an absolutely incredible day. After waking at 4.30am (well, body at least, brain many hours later), we departed for Rome. In one day we visited The Vatican (St. Peter’s Square and Basilica), Villa Borghese, San Pietro In Vincoli, Piazza Navona, The Colosseum, [...]

Good afternoon! Today is Sunday and yes, rehearsals as normal. I am told however that soon our schedules will be 12 hour non-stop days as it seems we are putting on a full production of Puccini’s opera, Tosca. Thus there will orchestra rehearsals, rehearsals with singers and staging rehearsals. Over the last 3 days I [...]

Hello from Siena! I’m just back from technique class. My legs, arms and generally whole body are aching. The class everyone’s bodies dread. Now I am on a lunch and study break until we have the orchestra this afternoon and evening. Yesterday afternoon I worked with the orchestra on Debussy’s La Mer. Alas, I had [...]