Well I finally arrived in Sydney after 27 grueling hours of traveling. After resting a bit and taking a walk along the harbor, my first order of business was to attend a private house concert of my dear friend, Australian flutist Jane Rutter. She performed with Taryn Feibig, rising star of the Australian opera scene and pianist Chris Carter. I could not have had a better introduction to the talent pool of the Australian classical music scene, and with a view to match! The concert was a fundraiser for flood relief, and successfully raised over 11,000 AUD! Jane and I were both students of Alain Marion (at different times) but share his expressive love for musical nuance. Despite being jet-lagged, the concert was worth the trip! What's even better, is that Jane invited me back to take in a beach swim and play some duets together, seaside! Good thing I brought my bathing suit and a book of Telemann duets!
