Bronwen Maggs reports from our German tour…

CUSO Tour, Day 2, Oberwesel

“Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra are half way through their second day of rehearsals and the benefits of playing together in a new environment, with nothing other than the music to worry about, are becoming increasingly apparent. The members of CUSO are beginning, more than ever, to explore the contexts of the works, playing fluently, sensitively and intuitively. Later, we will hear from conductor, Mark Eager, who has observed as the instrumentalists have thrived and developed whilst on tour. Personally, I cannot wait to hear the music come to life at the orchestra’s first concert in Heidelberg tomorrow.

“The tour is just beginning and it is amazing to see the progress the orchestra are making musically already. Of course, there is more to a tour than music making and we have had a lot of fun so far too. The members of the orchestra who have joined us from within Europe are already very much a part of the community: It is really lovely to have a whole new set of individuals to get to know and socialise with.

“Yesterday evening, just after another wonderful dinner, we all headed down to the River Rhine that runs around the bottom of the mountain our hostel sits upon. We were there in time to see the sun set over the mountains and after marvelling at the view, and escaping a few unfamiliar insects, we set up on the grassy bank with snacks and drinks. Nothing could have prepared us for the walk in the dark back up the mountain to the hostel, but despite aching legs and tired eyes, we all returned safely to our rooms in very high spirits.

“Rehearsals finish this evening and then all’s left to do is to eat, pack and get early nights, before getting back on the coach and travelling onto Heidelberg ready to make our German debut.”