Leaving the small town and entering a big city again, a really big one. Blocks are three times bigger, the subway – there is a subway – takes at least 30 minutes wherever you want to go. There is plenty of space and everything is clean. This big city feels completely different than NYC. Maybe, we finally arrived mentally, or maybe it is just different.
I’m invited to perform my solo program at the Austrian Embassy in the US. Most of you will know by now where we are: in Washington DC. The team of the cultural forum is extraordinarily great. Cordula, Kara, Johannes, Melissa, and Hannes are constantly caring and helping us with all our questions and wishes. To phrase it locally – it is awesome here! The moment we enter the guests flat we’re immediately sorry that we will have to leave already after two nights. The little one calls me to play hide-and-seek, so you get an impression about the dimensions of our apartment.
Experiencing the big auditorium, where the concert is going to take place, all these helping hands and the professionalism, I’m getting a little nervous before my performance. I truly want to perform well to honour all that work. I’m calming myself by telling me that probably just a few people will come to listen. After the welcoming speech of Johannes Aigner, it’s showtime. Entering the stage, I’m suddenly aware of the fact that the hall is full. It will be the biggest audience I ever played my solo program to. But I just have to start playing and I’m in a different world. I am enjoying every minute on stage, even those where I’m talking English to the audience to explain something about the music. Arrived at the last piece of tonight’s program I’m thinking: „That was fast, it will be over so soon!“ So I’m putting even more energy and intensity into my performance to hear my sound ringing through the halls of the Embassy.
A lot of people are asking me questions after the concert and even more are congratulating me on my performance. I truly hope to come again someday and am sure to bring more time for Washington DC.
