Philadelphia Orchestra U.S. Tour (2007) - John Koen
May 15-30 plus a neighborhood concert in Camden and a run-out to Washington D.C. Repertoire, big stuff: Tchaikovsky 5th Symphony, Berlioz Symphonie fantastique, Brahms 1st Symphony. Smaller:...

Packing
Philadelphia, United States
We had a rehearsal this morning on Tchaikovsky 5th and encores (Smetana Dance of the Comedians from the Bartered Bride, Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 5, Dvořák Slavonic Dance No. 8 in g), then the Mozart Sinfonia concertante (which I don't play). I got a haircut and will practice & wash clothes the rest of the afternoon. Tonight I'm the alternate, and everyone will probably be healthy, so I expect to just pack my trunks during the concert. I won't see my cello again until Tuesday evening, although I think I will keep one bow with me to play on my Orange cello at home.
written by  John Koen on May 12, 2007 from Philadelphia, United States
from the travel blog: Philadelphia Orchestra U.S. Tour (2007)

First stop
Kansas City, United States
I'm posting this a bit late, but it belongs on the 15th. I hadn't added anything since I went on tour because I had a very interesting experience in the Philadelphia airport on May 15. I arrived at the security checkpoint, and reached to pull my computer out of the bag, but there was nothing there...I had forgotten to put the computer in the bag!! I will be adding stuff in the next couple of days, but it's been busy and this has been my first chance to check into my travel blog.
written by  John Koen on May 15, 2007 from Kansas City, United States
from the travel blog: Philadelphia Orchestra U.S. Tour (2007)

Caesar's Palace
Las Vegas, United States
We stayed at Caesar's Palace. Had a great lunch there, at Rao's. Amazing salmon on black lentils with Moroccan spices. Explored the hotel, picked up tickets to the Celine Dion show ("A New Day…"), took a nap (I got up at 5:30 a.m. to fly from Omaha). Then checked out the Bellagio next door and a little shopping. Show was really great, then dinner at "Noodle" in the Bellagio.
written by  John Koen on May 18, 2007 from Las Vegas, United States
from the travel blog: Philadelphia Orchestra U.S. Tour (2007)

arrival in San Francisco
San Francisco, United States
Took the subway (BART) from the airport, checked into the hotel (Mark Hopkins Intercontinental, very nice), found a place for lunch, went down to Union Square and walked back in time to get ready for the bus trip to UC Davis.
written by  John Koen on May 19, 2007 from San Francisco, United States

practice
Davis, United States
I took a good nap on the bus from San Francisco to Davis (about 1 hr. 45 minutes). Because I hadn't played since leaving Omaha, and I didn't really practice there (just warmed up), I spent about an hour before the concert practicing. Definitely worth it. Then I chatted a bit with colleagues during the Mozart (Goerne, the singer canceled). Then we did another Berlioz, so I saw nothing of UC Davis. I even forgot to take pictures of the concert hall. Chatted with colleagues on the bus on the way back. Terrible traffic in Oakland heading into San Francisco.
written by  John Koen on May 19, 2007 from Davis, United States

Disneyland
Anaheim, United States
up at the crack of dawn to get to Los Angeles, then drive to Disneyland. They close at 11 p.m.…
Found out it's best to do a bit more research before visiting Disneyland. California Adventure park closed at 6, and the main park at 8.
written by  John Koen on May 21, 2007 from Anaheim, United States

deciding what to do in San Diego
San Diego, United States
Again, advance planning helps. Scheduled an afternoon flight late enough to do things in San Diego and still have time for San Francisco this evening, but Sea World doesn't open until 10, and is $60, but we'd have to leave around 1 to get to the airport with our luggage, and the whale sighting just stopped. There are some other things to do, but those were the best two. Maybe just a short city Harbor boat tour for an hour (and time to write something on the blog).
I was alternate for the concert, so I just put some dirty clothes in the orchestra trunk and came back to wander around the gas lamp district and have dinner. Then came back and uploaded tons of pictures from Omaha, Las Vegas & San Francisco.
written by  John Koen on May 24, 2007 from San Diego, United States

We officially like Seattle
Seattle, United States
First time on the tour it was really sunny! Of course, that's unusual for Seattle, but it was great. I even sunburned my left elbow. Good espresso wasn't as easy to find as it used to be (lots of Starbucks and fully automatic machines :(
Went bar-hopping after the concert (and lavish party by Maestro Eschenbach) on Tuesday until 4:30 a.m. No further details will be forthcoming.
Wednesday evening took a really nice sunset cruise in a sailboat. Will bring a jacket next time!
Got upgraded to first class for the return flight to Philly, so that was pleasant for 5 hrs. Of course, it's probably because all their Chairman's Preferred and Platinum members skipped over to United, but I'm getting upgraded a lot, so I'm pretty happy with US Air!
written by  John Koen on May 28, 2007 from Seattle, United States

washing clothes
Philadelphia, United States
practicing on the Orange cello, getting reacquainted with the kitties, getting the air conditioners going (it's up to around 90 during the day), and getting repacked for the next trip, Oklahoma City for the International Society of Bass convention.
written by  John Koen on May 31, 2007 from Philadelphia, United States

by the riverside
Camden, United States
main thing is we forgot the camera, so no pictures (also, it's not quite as exciting taking pictures of just around the corner). Rossen Milanov conducted this one. We did Tchaik. 5 (like on tour), but of course a different interpretation. Many of the principals didn't show up. Weather wasn't bad, actually (quite a breeze on that waterfront). I didn't play the Camden outdoor concert last year, so I thought it was in the same place as in 2005 and I could just take PATCO (subway between Philly & S. Jersey). Turns out I had to get off at Camden City Hall stop. Walked outdoors and 'Oh my God'. Rossen came and rescued us in his car.
Rossen's Tchaik. 5 was really good, by the way. Sound system sucked (have to look into that--what's the point of playing outdoor concerts if the audience can't hear half of it because the sound is screwed up?).
About to practice now (11:45 p.m.) Haven't had my good cello since Tuesday in Seattle. I expect to also practice tomorrow morning before the 11:50 a.m. train to D.C.
written by  John Koen on June 2, 2007 from Camden, United States

my street looking towards the Kimmel Center

Philadelphia in the rain

backstage on the cello side

Bass & cello trunks with my suitcase & cello case

the newer wardrobe trunks (mine's on the end)

wardrobe trunks in the hallway

Broad Street looking at City Hall

In front of the Kimmel Center

bus to the airport

City with as many fountains as Rome?

John Hancock Tower

Waterworks Mall fountain

Johnzilla

cable-car

Shrimp, crab & lobster (Top of the Mark Champagne brunch)

Buffet at the Top of the Mark ($60, but worth it if you like caviar & champagne!)

Golden Gate sunset

Golden Gate bridge

Coit Tower

Alcatraz island

a street made of stairs

"The biggest damn rose in the whole city!" (Tales of the City)

late-night shower

The Mark Hopkins Intercontinental in the fog

Nevada desert mountains

Luxor seen from the airport

John with a seahorse

Bellagio fountains

Eiffel Tower

reception desk at Bellagio

roof of Bellagio entryway

Chocolate cooling method

Chocolate & Pastry shop in the Bellagio