When I arrived in Cologne last week to meet up with the National Symphony Orchestra on the last leg of its European tour, there was a collective feeling that everyone was ready for a break. The NSO had been on the road for eight days and seven shows in Spain and Germany, with no proper day off since the start of the tour in Barcelona. The musicians were tired, jet-lagged, and ready for a much-needed intermission.
The orchestra, comprised of 99 musicians including 81 permanent NSO players and various substitutes, had been navigating the daily grind of travel, rehearsals, and performances. Like any group of co-workers, they were susceptible to jet lag, illness, and the occasional mishap like lost luggage or expired medications.
Despite the challenges of touring, the NSO continued to deliver stellar performances at each stop on the itinerary. In Cologne, at the Kölner Philharmonie, they impressed with their rendition of Alban Berg’s “Lyric Suite” and Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s “Violin Concerto” featuring the talented Hilary Hahn. The concert ended with a standing ovation and two encores, showcasing the orchestra’s resilience and commitment to their craft.
After a day of rest and exploration in Cologne and nearby Bonn, the NSO boarded buses and a charter flight to Milan for a performance at Teatro alla Scala. This historic moment for the orchestra, who had only performed in Milan once before, was also a homecoming for Maestro Gianandrea Noseda. The musicians marveled at the iconic La Scala poster and explored the grandeur of the theater before their performance.
Despite the challenges of performing in a new venue, the NSO once again delivered a remarkable performance, captivating the audience with their musicality and skill. As they continued on to their final stop in Hamburg, the musicians were reminded that, above all, an orchestra is made up of individuals who, despite the rigors of touring, come together to create something truly special on stage.
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