Possibilities

The many possibilities that are taking shape as we begin our work in Turkey look wonderful. Yesterday, we met with instrumental musicians (kanun, violin, and accordion) from the Dünya Renkleri Korosu with whom we will perform Turkish music in a benefit concert for Kimse Yok Mu, the celebrated humanitarian organization. Additionally, our trip to Konya to accompany the whirling dervish ceremony promises to be a historic and thrilling experience.

As always, travel involves cultural adjustments. Yesterday as I waited for a contact on a street right near the Bosphorus, I took out my viola to play as much of Schubert's "Arpeggione" as I could remember. No one paid attention until the Islamic call to prayer started, at which point a hip-looking young Turkish man with artsy stubble and sunglasses came up to me and ordered me to keep quiet. He then continued to lounge on the pier, rather than answering the call to prayer. Hmm. Live and learn, I guess.