With mixed feelings I am counting down the days until flying back home to London. I’m looking forward to my own bed and being able to understand what’s being said on TV, and at the same time will dearly miss the glorious blue skies of Tokyo in winter, and of course family.
Initially I had planned to return in February, in time to tutor on the NYO Inspire course. However when I realised this course would be held online I decided to stay put and just make sure my wifi and caffeine levels were strong enough to keep me connected from Tokyo…
This course was an ambitious and amazing project, bringing together over 700 young musicians of the UK over 9 days for a day of varied activities which culminated in the recording of a specially commissioned work by Dani Howard. Each day I would log on after dinner, while everyone had just had breakfast, and log off after 3am full of inspiration and joy. The first day brought an added personal challenge: just as the lunch break started a large earthquake hit the Tohoku region of Japan, and we felt it strongly in Tokyo too. As I’m on the 14th floor, the swaying was intense and felt like being on a ship on stormy seas… however as it subsided it became clear that this area had no internet or power issues, so the afternoon progressed normally (just with a slightly higher heart rate for me!).
Now, preparing to return to UK, I’m reading and hearing about many concerts and courses being cancelled through to summer, but also tentative plans of project going ahead… Upon returning I look forward to coming back to the wonderful St Mary’s Perivale on 18th March with dear colleagues Florian Mitrea and Meghan Cassidy for a YouTube-streamed concert! Following that, a recording session, and then…who knows. Perhaps more quiet days to enjoy spinning, reading, and watching winter turn to spring!
