The Philadelphia Orchestra Plays to Packed Halls in Europe
 The Philadelphia Orchestra's 21-day tour of Europe and the Canary Islands was one of beautiful weather, packed concert halls, and rock-star ovations. Led by Christoph Eschenbach, The Philadelphia Orchestra traveled and performed in Tenerife and Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, as well as Barcelona, Lisbon, Madrid, Valencia, Luxembourg, Budapest, and Vienna. Classical Movements made all of the arrangements for the 9 cities, 2,138 hotel room nights and 13,350 miles traveled.
The audiences in Barcelona, Madrid, and the Canaries were quiet and attentive. By the end of the concert, however, the audience response in the packed 3,000-seat hall was thunderous.
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"As much as the latest signs of economic downturn are all over the European media, the orchestra seems to be playing in a protective bubble. Canary Islands concerts were nearly full. While Barcelona had 400 empty seats in the 2,000-seat hall, curiously, they were not on the main floor, where prices were as high as 175 Euros ($225). One encouraging economic indicator: Neeta Helms, president of Classical Movements, which works with major orchestras as well as tours by youth orchestras and choirs, says 2009 looks to be its busiest year ever. But Helms works hard for that business.The Wednesday flight from Barcelona to Lisbon had the most stringent bag restrictions yet, with hefty fines for those deemed too heavy. But the loaded-down musicians were allowed to board unimpeded. 'Neeta worked her magic,' murmured one."
—David Patrick Stearns, Philadelphia Inquirer |
