The Curtis Orchestra just had our first rehearsal for our 10/20 concert with maestro Peter Oundjian from the Toronto Symphony. He definitely excited the orchestra with his character and amazing rhythmic energy, though I have to admit his dashing looks and charming accent didn't hurt either!

Carl told me that Oundjian's cousin is Eric Idle of monty python, but talent must run in the family, because it turns out his brother was a champion figure skater who competed in the Olympics in the 70s. The orchestra is playing Rimsky-Korsakov's 'cappricio espanol' (flashy fluff, but exciting), and Oundjian told us that his brother had once ice-skated to this piece.... and that ever since, he's always gotten nervous when he hears it! Not the most reassuring news from a conductor.

I'm looking forward to the concert- the hall is almost sold out. Mom + liz +donal+kitty are coming. It will be fun to show them my new home and new life here. I decided to cook dinner for everyone. my menu plan is seared scallops, shitake risotto, and salad. dessert is the tricky part, i can't decide between chocolate raspberry torte or chocolate hazelnut torte. (There's probably some way to insert a poll here, but i'm not even sure anyone reads this blog. And Carl has already voted for "both").

Some of the things I'd like to do when mom and liz visit are: the Museum of Art, the magic garden (a sort of mosaic maze made of broken china and glass bottles), a tour of Curtis, visit my favorite gelato shop, and maybe walk to the Italian market.

-camille