Britten Sinfonia's final concert in South America (on this tour!)

Our last concert on the tour, in Sao Paulo, had a (huge) audience of music afficianados, who seemed to delight in every piece. The Bach concerto blazed, the MacMillan puzzled, amused and amazed again, and then encores were demanded, so we heard two of Joanna MacGregor's dazzling Astor Piazzolla arrangements. This concert was a real high for the players - you can tell from their relaxed manner, and the added vigour this seems to bring to their playing.

When we arrived back here on Sunday, it was almost like coming home. Everyone has exactly the same rooms in the hotel as last week and there is an ease bred by the familiarity with the location. Favourite restaurants are re-visited, the hotel barmen seem like old friends, and nothing seems too much trouble for our hosts. Those who are thus in Sao Paulo for the second time are beginning to understand why those in the group who have been here many times know that this is one of the most dynamic cities on the planet: culturally diverse, economically driven, and with an exciting arts scene. It has been both a privilege and a revelation for Britten Sinfonia to have added to that scene.

A few players are going to the coast for a short holiday. The rest of us are off to the airport in half an hour, to fly back to London. Our next project, with Carolyn Sampson, begins immediately we return!

I'll put some more reviews and photos up in a couple of days, so do return for the final chapter of this blog.

John Bickley