6) RLPO Romania/Czech Tour 2011 – Last day in Prague and The Return Home

Posted on September 22, 2011 by

Several of us decided to breakfast fairly early today; we had the day free until the rehearsal in the Rudolfinum at 4pm. An opportunity to explore Prague was not to be missed! We went down to the dining hall in the hotel only to find ourselves sharing the hall with a few hundred delegates from  a Defence & Security conference. This was a nightmare; it was impossible to get to any of the food, never mind enjoy a nice tranquil start to the day. The noise was too much. Therefore, Chris Morley, Steve Nicholls, Simon Griffiths (all three from the French Horn section) and myself elected to catch the Metro into Prague’s, beautiful Old Town to enjoy a morning meal there.

Continue reading →

Posted in About Brendan Ball, Brass Section of the RLPO, Scooby the 'English Springer Spaniel', The 'Urban Farm', The Trumpet o-iii<O | Leave a comment

Blog 5) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Romania/Czech Tour 2011

Posted on September 19, 2011 by

Today the RLPO said goodbye to Bucharest and hello to Prague. we have just arrived at the hotel on the outskirts of Prague. The change from blazing sun and 30 degrees to rain and about 12 degrees so far, has been pretty noticeable. Continue reading →

Posted in About Brendan Ball, Brass Section of the RLPO | 2 Comments

‘Petrenkomania’ hits Bucharest! Blog 4) ‘ Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Romania/Czech Tour 2011

Posted on September 18, 2011 by

The hard working RLPO First violin section

 Well, after the most substantial breakfast of the RLPO tour so far, Dave Pigott (Associate Principal French Horn and recording engineer for the orchestra’s own, in house recording company) and I, have decided to see Ceaucescu’s Folly today. This extra-ordinary building is reputedly the second largest building in the world; only The Pentagon is said to be bigger! This was one of the recommended ‘must sees’ on every tourist website and tour guidebook of Bucharest. The ‘Parliament Palace’ as it is now known. This enormous house was to be Ceaucescu’s house!!! Continue reading →

Posted in About Brendan Ball, Brass Section of the RLPO, The Trumpet o-iii<O | Leave a comment

Blog 3) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Romania/Czech Tour Sep 2011

Posted on September 18, 2011 by

The breakfast room at the Radisson Blu

After a fairly late night, it was just as well that the Radisson Blu was to serve breakfast until 11.00am today. It was nice to have a bit of a lie in. A large bowl of fruit for me, followed by a light sampling of the spiced sausages etc. There was a chef making custom order omelettes which proved very popular. Work begins in earnest today, with a very important rehearsal and concert. It sometimes easy, whilst enjoying the local culture, and hospitality, to forget why we are actually here. Continue reading →

Posted in About Brendan Ball, Brass Section of the RLPO, The Trumpet o-iii<O | 2 Comments

Blog 2) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Romania/Czech Republic Tour Sep 2011

Posted on September 17, 2011 by

I was up at 5.00am today. I had set the alarm in plenty of time to have breakfast, shower, check my packing etc. The taxi arrived at 5.30 and I was at Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool in plenty of time for the 6.00am orchestra bus to Manchester airport. Regular readers will know that I am not keen on flying so the least said about this aspect of the journey the better, as far as I am concerned!

Continue reading →

Posted in About Brendan Ball, Brass Section of the RLPO, The Trumpet o-iii<O | 4 Comments

Blog 1) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Romania/Czech Republic Tour Sep 2011

Posted on September 15, 2011 by

Vasily Petrenko

I have had a lot of comment, of late, about the lack of activity on this blog. I must apologise for this but state that I am back in action now. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is just about to embark on another international tour; so as so many have requested to see some progress on the blog I am taking on the job of providing you all with all the news, events, unexpected happenings and all that gratuitous sex and violence you have all come to expect from my reportage.

Continue reading →

Posted in About Brendan Ball, Brass Section of the RLPO, Scooby the 'English Springer Spaniel', The Gallery, The Trumpet o-iii<O | Leave a comment

16/8/2011 ‘Looting’ In England

Posted on August 16, 2011 by

Prime minister David Cameron comments on the recent inner city riots in England!

‎"David Cameron's speech got off on rather an unfortunate footing: 
"It's time for our country to take stock."
Letter in The Guardian.
Carry on David, you'll get 'both feet in next!'
Posted in About Brendan Ball | Leave a comment