New York, New York.... A Wonderful Town!

As you read these words, I am in New York City playing tour guide to the members of the Hudson High School Chamber Orchestra as they prepare to play in competition tomorrow morning at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. A great privilege and honor to be accompanying these fine young musicians and their conductor, Roberto Iriarte. It has been years since I have been back in my old stomping grounds. Really looking forward to it.

First stop this morning is the TODAY show and a chance at getting many of the students on national TV. Then we are off, or is it up, to the the Top of the Rock for some panoramic views of the Big Apple. Next I plan to cruise them up and down Fifth Avenue for the traditional New York sights (Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Tiffany's, FAO Schwartz, the Plaza Hotel and Central Park) before jumping on the subway for lunch and a visit to the 9/11 Memorial. The afternoon is taken over by a rehearsal back at our hotel. Then it is on to Carnegie Hall for a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic led by Franz Welser-Most! (Are you kidding? We came all the way to New York to see our most favorite Cleveland maestro?)

Last night we went to the MET for a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's monumental French Opera masterpiece, Don Carlos (this time sung in Italian). I would love to tell you how it all turned out, but I am writing this column on Wednesday! More later.....

Alice Tully Hall at The Julliard School
New York City

Tomorrow, the kids play at Alice Tully Hall, one of the great venues here at Lincoln Center. If you are near the city, come on over to 66th street in the morning and hear some awesome performing ensembles from around this great land of ours. Following the competition, we are off on an afternoon cruise on the Hudson River (Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, views of the City), then to Broadway and The Mystery of Edwin Drood before catching our coach at 11:00 pm for an all-nighter back to Hudson.

Whew....... I'm tired already!

And yes..... I will be preaching at service on Sunday morning for The Community of Saint John. It should be a dilly!!

Keep these kids, their leaders and chaperones in your prayers.

Love One Another - Brian