This morning we heard a well put-together concert at the Academy of Music. I'm especially fascinated by some of the folk singing. It's a completely different sound all together. There is a purity and nasal quality to the sound that is so fresh and alive. The folk music is what really gets to me. Hearing people expressing themselves with instruments that I have never heard of is so exciting. It was so natural and honest. I love that they have strong programs in both classical and folk music.
(A traditional Kakakh singer accompanying herself on the dombra)
The concert that evening at the Presidential Center was great. They filmed the concert and even came right up onstage to get some close-ups. Thankfully, Lee-Ann reacted quickly and had our translator coax him down quietly. We ended the program with the Shostakovich Octet with the Al Farabi Quartet. It was so special to play with them, and we have really become good friends. I will always remember this concert. The quartet escorted us to the airport, entertaining us on the way with some American rap. It was sad saying goodbye. I hope we meet up with them again one day. I couldn't get wrapped up in my sadness for too long because we hit a little snag with our plane. We were delayed in take-off on the runway for about an hour. But I was pretty freaked out when our plane was surrounded by trucks and vans! They also turned off their headlights so nobody knew what was happening. I thought that we might be going to our deaths soon, but no one else seemed as concerned. It turned out that some VIP was delaying our flight so he could board the plane. I really hate flying!
- Susie
(The Phoenix performing an encore together with the Al Farabi at the Presidential Culturual Center, in Astana, Kazakhstan)
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