Orchestra of Tuscany

Just returned from a jaw-dropping night of music at the Teatro di Rossi - featuring the Orchestra di Toscana.

WOW. That's the only word that seems to fit. They played the first 6 bars of the first song and I was blown away. They were SO good - dead on. They sounded like a recording. Perfect intonation. Perfect dynamics. Perfect musicianship. Wow.

Not only that, but they also had two opera singers join them on a few pieces. They made it look easy - no strain on their faces or anything. Just stood there and belted it out - in between acting out the story.

This is the first time since I've been here that it is all starting to hit me.

Wow. I'm actually in Italy. I'm sitting in this gorgeous theater, surrounded by local Italians, and a few fellow Americans, listening to this phenomenally talented orchestra - after having an Italian dinner at a quaint restaurant on the Piazza del Campo. Fresh ingredients, warm bread, great company. Am I dreaming?

Nope. I'm really in Italy.

And, Italians sure know how to do it up right. In celebration of Carnavale weekend, the second half of the concert featured the musicians dressed as various things - a devil, an Arab, a construction worker. And, before the end of the concert, the conductor had already popped open a bottle of champagne....part of the program it seemed, but also part of the lively Italian drinking culture.

Oh Italy...I love you.