So, at last we are en route and our South American tour has begun. We have made it to Madrid! Every orchestral tour is a delicate balance between the comfort of the players and the financial realities of the arts world. So, a direct flight (which, eccentrically, is more expensive) from London to Sao Paulo is not possible. But there is a certain logic travelling via Madrid, an Iberian springboard from the Old World to the New.
The musicians are in good temper and eagerly anticipating the concerts.
This is, for me, my 16th concert tour to Brazil, but it is five years since I was last there - 'saudade' is the untranslatable word which describes the yearning for return. I look forward to keeping you up to date with the tour, with lots of artistic comment!
John Bickley
