Okay... technically, this is the second concert of my new early music ensemble, but the first one was just a solo violin affair and we didn't have a name sorted out yet, just a sort of "working" title that was to be settled later on! So, this is the first "real" concert under the proper name! And it is a special one, keeping everything tight and in the family, it is a program of music for fortepiano and violin with my wife at the keyboards!

It is better to keep things smaller and more manageable, as I can't really afford to pay lots of people... and despite the fact that there are many people who are interested in playing with me, I don't feel comfortable burning people's goodwill.

So, this early morning/afternoon was an extended family affair of moving the bloody fortepiano. Sigh, I wish she played a lighter instrument! This is smaller in size than the harpsichord, but significantly heavier. Plus, we will really need to have a better case made for it, as this is a right pain in the arse to get on the instrument. Too tight a fit with zippers makes for a terrible time!

Unfortunately, there was a little bit of a problem with the damper lifting (sustain) pedal on the bass end of the instrument. Somehow, the mechanism got detached and the lighting mechanic only works on the treble end.

We have jury rigged the lever mechanism (blue tack and screws for weight) so that it at least falls back into place... but it is something that we will have to fix up later when it gets back to home. I'm not particularly keen to do it, as it means that you have to take out the keyboard completely... and that is pretty fragile AND heavy. I think I might want to call in a proper professional for that!

In the end, we will manage without it... it is annoying, but we are professionals and we just will make things work and the audience will have no clue!

Anyway... my wife is practicing, and I'm busily scrambling up some notes to do the talk from. A little happy thing came in just a moment ago, where I got a really nice review for an ensemble that guest directed! So, that has got me in a nice happy and confident mood! So many people have helped out, and have given me so much goodwill... I feel incredibly indebted to everyone who has welcomed me back to Australia, and especially to those who are placing so much trust in this little venture. I don't think it will explode to be world-breaking... but it will at least hopefully be a nice addition to the Australian musical landscape!

I probably should get dressed and ready... and possible do a little bit of practice on this bastard-arse solo violin piece that I'm going to play!

First concert under our new name! Let's F$%^-ing GO!!!!!!!!

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