CSI 2024

Our breakfast room at the hotel; Ellen at lunch in the school cafeteria outdoor seating; a late night colloquy at the hotel, centered on a bottle of wine.

CSI is definitely an occasion for reconnecting with old friends. Here is Ellen with trumpet player Julian Poore. Then there is the Danel family, David, Bethany, Mata, and Aya. Finally, the flute godmothers, Karen Brubaker and Johanna Schwarzlf.

Each morning we gather for chapel or Tune-in. There is some singing, a music presentation, and a speaker. On this day, we heard a group of players present one movement of a piano quartet by Turino. Wow!

 

We had a grand opening and were graced by a Nocturne by Lili Boulanger, presented by Johanna and Dan, old friends from previous Crescendo years. It was hoot to hear them play again. We knew them before they married, and now they have a 14-month-old boy.

The Sostenuto program Saturday featured music and speakers. First, bassoonist and teacher Terry Ewell was joined by his Ukrainian student in an absolutely beautiful duet based on the hymn, “It is Well with my Soul”. Terry is the leader of the Baltimore hub of Crescendo.  Following, we heard from Nastia Oprah, Crescendo staff in Kiev, Ukraine, speaking about faith in wartime. Naturally, her remarks were very challenging. Finally, Beat Rink, the director of Crescendo International, spoke about the humor of God.

During the two days before the Crescendo Summer Institute begins, there is a program called Sostenuto, primarily for Institute faculty and staff. There are get-acquainted sessions, prayer, worship, and speakers. This year, Sostenuto is being led by Kristen Van Dyck, who is staff for Crescendo North America. She spoke movingly Friday evening, introducing the conference theme, “Dew from Heaven”, Hosea 14:5.

 We have arrived in Tokaj at last, staying at the hotel for faculty, as usual. Tokaj is about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Budapest. We are not entirely over our jet lag, so this sign was good to see.

Feels like home: the K+K Hotel Opera. Been here many times. Plus a shot of the opera, complete with tourists!

 Relaxing with a nice dinner:

 Here is Ellen preparing for pampering on our Air France flight to Paris, where we change planes to fly to Budapest.