Bay of Plenty Symphonia's concert "A Taste of Europe" last Sunday was a pleasure not only for the audience, but also for the musicians in the orchestra. To walk out on stage and see an almost full house is always a very special feeling and the musicians appreciate the support the community has shown us and our new musical director, Justus Rozemond. It is largely due to his direction and guidance that we were able to deliver a concert of such high musical standard.

Added to that the absolute priviledge to play with a soloist with such astonishing musical abilities. Feeling the energy reflect from Martin Riseley into the orchestra in his most inspiring interpretation of Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole was a real buzz for the orchestra and something that we will remember and relish for a long time to come. The fact that he then came back and sat at the back of the first violins in the second half is a testament to his character and was greatly appreciated by all of us.

The orchestra is on a real high and we look forward to our next performance on December 2, which will include Grieg's famous piano concerto with another outstanding soloist and Dvorak's well-loved Symphony Number 9 (New World). We hope you will all come back so that once again we get to see many smiling faces in the audience!

Rebecka Beetz