August 23 2010

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  The orchestra departed Stresa on Monday 23 August for a three-hour bus ride to the beautiful city of Lucerne in Switzerland. We were all taken aback by the breath-taking scenery on the drive.

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  On the way to Lucerne.

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  Once we arrived in Lucerne, the orchestra immediately headed over to the KKL Concert Hall for the day’s rehearsal. This was our first opportunity to rehearse with pianist Hélène Grimaud. She plays two concertos with us on this tour: in Lucerne it’s Beethoven’s ‘Emperor’ and in London on Tuesday night she’ll play Ravel’s G major concerto.

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  Vladimir Ashkenazy chats with pianist Helene Grimaud during a break in rehearsal.

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  Ashkenazy, Hélène Grimaud and the orchestra rehearsing the ‘Emperor’ Concerto.

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  The magnificent fountain outside the KKL Concert Hall in Lucerne.

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  Helene Grimaud in performance with the orchestra in Lucerne.

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  (From left) Clarinettist Christopher Tingay and harpist Owen Torr, backstage in the ‘first basement’ of the KKL Concert Hall before our Lucerne concert.

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  Our concert in Lucerne was one of the first events of the Lucerne Festival to sell out. Here the orchestra takes a bow at the end of the performance in the glowing 1840-seat KKL Concert Hall. They call the space ‘Room Blanché’ because of all the white surfaces.

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  We are extremely fortunate to have a number of sponsors who generously support the Sydney Symphony’s endeavours. Pictured here in Vladimir Ashkenazy’s dressing room after the performance (from left): Michael Hoffman, Credit Suisse; Rory Jeffes, Sydney Symphony Managing Director; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Toni Krein, Credit Suisse; John Conde, Sydney Symphony Chairman.