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Today is a very exciting day – all the major arias from the upcoming concert work are now complete! Only an epilogue, an opening to the work and some bridging passages remain. From tomorrow, the orchestration of the Concert Aria commences, which I am very curious about! Composing such a major work has had moments of great frustration, but now that there is an overall picture forming with the completion of the major arias, today, I have really great satisfaction and anticipation of how it will sound. Although the full work has not yet been completed (there are still some instrumental sections to be written), it looks like it might fall in the range of 15-20 minutes for the entire work and will therefore hopefully, in the years to come, become part of the international operatic concert repertoire. We shall see!

I always carry an empty water bottle in my carry-on luggage and fill it up at a drinking fountain after going through airport security. You’ll save millions of dollars not having to re-buy expensive water from the airport after dumping yours at security screening (which will be 500x more expensive after security, guaranteed!)

For international trips, always pack some broad-spectrum antibiotics (your doctor can organise a prescription). In many countries, it is difficult, time-consuming and costly to obtain them. Remember to take a copy of the prescription with you for any queries by immigration! (added April 2012).

“The performance was part of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra Masters Series. Lara St. John was guest violinist and Daniel Smith conductor. The performance included works by Dvorak and Smetana — a taste of Bohemia and the former Czechoslovakia. The guest conductor, Daniel Smith, is a very interesting person, an Australian. He reminds you of a young Leonard Bernstein, with even more gusto.”

When catching long distance or airport trains, often you must leave your luggage out of view at the end of the carriage. Carry a simple combination-lock bike chain with you, tie it to a pole and you have peace of mind.

This morning, Daniel was interviewed by Morning News LIVE reporter, Sherri Clark, for Global TV Canada. Watch the interview here! Then, this afternoon, hear Daniel in conversation with Ella Wiernicka, the host of Classical Connections on radio station CFCR-FM live at 1.15pm CST by clicking here. This live radio interview will be at 20:15 for those in Central Europe and 6.15am for Eastern Australia.

The first news update for 2012 is coming out this week and includes extended interviews, new videos, news and more! Sign up to the newsletter now just over here to the right a little ——>

Travel Tips page updated!

Beware of theft on planes. Place your carry-on baggage in the overhead compartment face down with the zip facing the rear of the luggage bin. This makes it harder for unwanted hands to slip into your bag. (added February 2012).