Wednesday, 2005/11/16 Arrival in Taipei

Thursday, 2005/11/17 1st Concert Chiang Kai Shek Cultural Center (Eroica)

Friday, 2005/11/18 2nd Concert Chiang Kai Shek Cultural Center (Heldenleben & Asyla)

Saturday, 2005/11/19 Continuation to Tokio

Simon Superstar. What is reserved for pop stars, is now applying to Sir Simon Rattle; since yesterday the orchestra and himself are members of the league of ultimate superstars. Accompanied by samples of "Schöner Götterfunken" which from the place of Chiang Kai Shek ignites the sparks in the whole world, our heroes are celebrated by thousands. Also "Poor Elise" - played solo at the piano - along with ring tones has to pay for this.

The flipped out Taiwanese people showed no reservations towards classical music or their protagonists. They were frenetically acclaimed. Also Sir Simon was infected by this mood. "Simon!! Simon!! Simon!!" ten thousand maniacs are chanting. Like a newly wed bride, Sir Simon throws the bouquet into the raging crowd. Will the catcher become the next principal conductor? Beethoven with ring tones? Ouch, swiftly putting some spring rolls into the ears.

Yesterday I spent most of the evening on the great place in front of the concert hall and experienced the boundless exaltation of the Taiwanese music lovers. In the break and after the concert, some members of the philharmonic orchestra and Sir Simon Rattle entered the tribune at the place and were celebrated frenetically by the crowd.

Today Alberto and me were, among other things, at a temple and fortunately got into a very nice ceremony again. Amongst the chanting nuns I stood with my microphone and felt a lot of energy and joy. Sometime the visitors joined in and the whole temple was filled with great, cheerful chants. Yesterday, before the concert started, we were allowed to get very close to some musicians once again, which will be heard in the sound montage. So, off to the next stage, off to Tokyo!