Tag Archives: Austria

Aufessen!

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Pork knuckle, potato salad, sauerkraut, and mustard meal at the Augustiner, Salzburg.

We all travel for the food, right! Socially, economically, creatively, food is at the heart of any culture, and the group has completely embraced the experience.

‘Breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ is a true adage here, and with all the walking, due diligence is required. There is a consistent breakfast buffet menu across Europe of bread, yogurt, sliced meet and cheese, boiled eggs, pots of apricot, blackberry, and strawberry jam, Nutella, an oatmeal bar with figs, prunes, and dried apricots, and most different for Americans, fresh veggies: peppers, tomatoes, olives, and cucumbers.

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Our bed and breakfast style accommodations in Schladming, Austria were certainly the most special, with our gracious inn-keeper bringing soft-boiled eggs and pots of strong coffee directly to our tables.

Lunch has usually been taken at markets, from street vendors, or by popping into the grocery store. Dinners, usually eaten late, and by careful selection, are a time to sit as a group and reflect on our performances and adventures.

While on the train to Bratislava this morning, the travel reflection was on food.

Richard Frey – I like that things are less salty and less sweet here. I’ve eaten enough unknown, sliced, ground, knuckled, and hooved pig for a while. None of us realized how many different “snausages” there actually are!

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Sausage counter at Dallmayr Delicatessen, Munich, Germany.

Michelle Stanley – I’d give anything for a huge kale salad, and Richard said he’d give me his too. Although I’m tired of pork product, I have enjoyed trying all the new bratwurst. I’m also happy that the beer is not hoppy. One of my favorite things was the breakfast in Schladming with the special grinder for steel-cut oats. It was a total novelty, and I really want one for my home.

John Seesholtz – I loved the street food…all the sausages and cheeses, and the diversity within the genres, especially the offerings in the farmers market. There were the red currant berries that we don’t have in white, bright and dark red. I’ve enjoyed trying something so regional and seasonal.

Andrew Jacobson – I really enjoy the drinkability of the beer and since water is so expensive, it is a great replacement because of the high quality and low alcohol content. I could continue eating like this forever, so it is probably good that we are leaving in a few days. All of the walking helps counterbalance the increased intake of ice cream and helps digest the extra carbs from the bread and potatoes.

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Chris Van Hof doesn’t want to eat here – Bratislava, Slovakia.

Chris Van Hof (vegan) – I haven’t eaten a lot of the local food, which is all meat and cream, and doesn’t look appetizing or appealing. What I’ve noticed is that when I find a place where I can get a big, full, hot meal, it feels more special than at home. I’ve had a lot of fruit and brought cliff bars from home, so I’ve managed. What I’ve found humorous is that in restaurants, fish is the standard vegetarian option.

Wesley Ferreira – I’ve had great food and the best was from the street vendor in Schladming during the Lange Nacht – the long roll with two wieners, mustard, and onions – it was the most authentic meal. I’m a bread connoiseur, and it was warm and soft inside and perfectly flaky outside. It was the best! I also enjoyed the breakfast in Schladming with the soft boiled egg; the service was so civilized with the egg cup and the little spoon. I always felt like the inn-keeper was thinking “you are a good man for eating this egg!” It became a thing between us each morning, and for me, a take-away.

Copper Ferreira – If the “way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” then in Hungary I would never have found a husband, and would be single forever! But the rest has been good. I have used so many fine dishes, and there are more sizes of spoons than I’ve ever seen: Cappuccino spoons, egg spoons, yogurt spoons, slotted spoons – such a huge array of utensils. It’s like using my grandmother’s china every day!

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A good place to stop.

Gary Moody – Beer, bread, brats, and too much of it. I’ve enjoyed the adventure where you have no idea what you’re getting – some regrettable and some absolutely delightful! It’s sad when you find something you like and then have to leave it. Restaurants might be touristy, so I like going to the grocery store and seeing what the locals buy, and their habits, and pick from their unidentifiable items. I usually ate at groceries for lunch, or found an inviting place while riding my bike.

Steve Marx – I was a good chance to explore the delicacies. There are many different bratwurst from German, to Austrian, to Hungarian, comparable to regional BBQ in U.S. They do fat, protein, and salt very well! Sometimes you don’t know what you’re eating – that is a positive thing – so don’t bring any expectations because that is detrimental to the experience. I love the open-air markets, especially all the cheeses, but the first place I’m going is when I get back is 5 Guys!

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Jenn Clary Jacobs – Since veggies are my favorite food, I get my fill at breakfast because they become scarce the rest of the day. I’m also a gluten free girl, so with the emphasis on baked goods, from pretzels to pastry, amazing smelling thin-crust pizza, and breaded items such as Schnitzel, this trip has been a challenge. I quickly gave up asking for gluten free because the reference was lost on everyone! So far, my favorite meals were the roasted liver and potatoes in Schladming, and the aged salami and salty aged Gouda from the outdoor market in Salzburg. And the coffee…

Tom Bittinger – I especially liked the availability of ice cream or gelato on every corner. I haven’t had a bad meal and liked all of it!

Selena Adams – I love all of it! My favorite thing is the prevalence of local bakeries, shops, cheese, and soup. Everything is super fresh, made by that family, that day, and affordable. I love that about Europe! I also love the coffee and the way drinking it is an afternoon event, like British teatime. My favorite thing was the Kasewurst – cheese sausage with the cheese melting out of it. So good!

Travis Howell – There is a variety of expense levels from something quick at a stand, like a brat, or very nice – as nice as you want – in every city. Overall, it’s been great. I also appreciate the lunch beer culture.

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Sierra Hayden enjoys the apple strudel with vanilla sauce.

Robert Bonner – The food culture is a lot slower here. Everyone takes more time socially. Whereas Americans seem to eat and run, here they actually relax during meals. They also take their desserts seriously! I even had apple strudel, with vanilla sauce, at a stone restaurant on Dachstein glacier (accessible by foot). For all that, I can’t wait to have an IPA and a bacon cheeseburger!

Shane Werts – Portions are smaller, but heartier. I loved the red wine cake at the restaurant at the top of Planai Mountain, only accessible on the Gondola. There’s a lot of meat here, which makes me really want some crispy lettuce! The apricot and blackberry jam were amazing! I will miss the schnitzel.

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Sierra Hayden – The food is heartier than in Colorado, but I never felt tired – maybe it was all the walking. The fruit is riper and so delicious. The water situation is hard because it isn’t free with meals, and so much of the water you order is sparkling, not “still.” The unpasteurized cheese is so great, but I can’t wait to have a huge salad!

Eat up, all!

From here to there.

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Our travels have taken the ensemble by plane, from Denver to Iceland to Munich, around Europe by train, both within the cities and between, put a lot of miles on our walking shoes, and even provided some train station practice time.

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Getting the group of 18 from point A to point B, via public transportation, has been a remarkably successful experience with just a few close mishaps like Shane sleeping on the second level and nearly not getting off, barely getting the luggage on and off before hearing the whistle blow, and a couple of frantic scurries back on to grab forgotten bags and phones, but all has ended well. Since we are traveling to Sopron, Hungary today, everyone gave quick reflections about the travel aspect of this tour.

CSU Faculty Chamber Winds' 2014 tour photo

 

Wesley Ferriera – When I think about going on a tour, I think about the traveling part. It’s been easy, nice to have those quiet moments, watching people read, and reflect, and look out the window.

Copper Ferriera – Trains are the way to go! Travel by train is the best and easiest way to go…as long as you have wheels on your luggage and guys to help lift it!

Robert Bonner – It’s my first time being on a train and it’s much less of a headache than getting on an airplane. I wish I could take a train across the U.S. to N.Y., like you can do from Munich to Berlin.

Michelle Stanley – Pack smart and face forward [as opposed to the backwards seats]. Traveling with 18 people is not as bad as you think!

Steve Marx – It’s been great to see the regional aspects of moving between countries on different trains. Even what is offered in the restaurant cars changes every few hundred miles.

Shane Werts – It’s been a great way to get to know people better. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the professors on a more personal level…everything from knick names to the ins and outs of sunglasses.

Tom Bittinger – I love the train system. Very efficient!

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Travis Howell (pictured) – The hours between cities are nice because you have a chance to relax, get off your feet, and reflect on all the great things we’ve been doing. I like the moment where you’re finally not rushed and just have time to think.

John Seesholtz – Travel has been fun, and for 18 people, we’ve been doing well staying together. It also provides time to separate, to sit, and be quiet. Tours can be social overload and the travel portion is my alone time.

Jenn Clary – I love watching the scenery go by and taking it all in. The train is very relaxing and soothing; it feels like a rocking cradle. There are very few escalators or elevators, so be prepared to lug a 20 kg suitcase up and down an immense number of stairs – Michelle and I are getting some biceps!

John McGuire – Transportation in Europe is very liberating because you don’t need a car. You don’t have to be responsible for a vehicle, you just get on a train and forget about everything for a while.

Liz McGuire – I appreciate walking more. I’ve enjoyed living in larger cities where it is easy to get around. I travel to Cheyenne for work and wish I could commute on a train. It’s what I miss!

Gary Moody – I love the fact that we left the hotel at 8:15 a.m. to catch a 9 a.m. train (walking). You don’t have to go through security and it left exactly on time. It’s easy when you can count on it happening, and not getting delayed!

Chris Van Hof – I like seeing the dirty underbelly of the famous classical music cities. When I’m traveling around, I’m anxious to arrive in time to Skype with my family and to practice. That’s what is always on my mind.

Sierra Hayden – The trains are efficient, but traveling in a group isn’t always so. I really enjoy having time to read, catch up on emails, and enjoy the views!

Richard Frey – there should be high-speed rail lines everywhere in the U.S. Being here always reminds me how strongly I feel about this! I would jump down to the Springs or up to Cheyenne if it simply meant hoping on and going.

Selena Adams – I love trains and enjoy seeing the different kinds. Riding the city bus in Salzburg was an easy navigation experience. I wish there was a train from Cheyenne to Colorado Springs!

Andrew Jacobson– For me, the train is a time to catch up on my sleep and relaxation.

~ posted by Jennifer Clary

Mozart is here.

The ensemble is thoroughly delighted by Salzburg and it’s rich arts culture and history. The fourth largest city in Austria boasts over 4,000 music, theatre, dance, and art events and exhibitions each year, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival.

statue of Mozart

For any group of musicians and music professors, a pilgrimage to the city’s Mozart landmarks is essential and emotional. Significant destinations for the group included the Geburtshaus (birth house), the Wohnhaus (a later residence), St. Sebastian’s cemetery, the burial site of Mozart’s father Leopold and wife Constanze, and Mozartplatz, featuring the composer’s statue, unveiled in 1842. “Michl march, Mozart is here,” was enthusiastically proclaimed at the time!

Burial site of Leopold Mozart and other Mozart relatives

“I have goosebumps,” “It brings tears to my eyes,” and “I’m incredibly grateful to be here,” were all overheard by this blogger; I had my own special moment with the opening to the Requiem Mass running through my head as I meandered through the historic cobbled streets of the Altstadt (Old Town).

This incredible and picturesque city has much to offer, and much more for us to discover!

Click here to view more pictures.

~ posted by Jennifer Clary

Danke Schön MidEurope and Schladming

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Austrian Alps, were honored to perform many times throughout the festival, and met so many wonderful people.

student playing a kazoo

On Thursday, July 10, the ensemble performed an early evening, outdoor concert in the same location, where earlier in the week, we had watched Germany demolish Brazil 7 – 1 in the World Cup. Best moments from that performance had to have been the reprise of Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes” with Chris Van Hof’s kazoo solo, little kids dancing with abandon alongside adults who really knew what they were doing, and noticing that we had some true fans who were showing up at all of our concerts.

Two people smiling at the camera

We especially enjoyed meeting the delightful Mats Persson, a trombonist and high school music teacher from Sweden, who was attending the festival on his personal holiday. In addition to our concerts, we saw Mats at the top of Dachstein Glacier, at Lange Nacht, the “long night” street festival featuring the traditional, regional bands, and at the Tattoo, a display of all the marching bands. Connections like these greatly enhance the travel experience, and were possible through staying in one location for an extended time.

stage with wind symphony performing

On Saturday, July 11, the sun was doing its best to break through the clouds that have socked us in the last few days. The group performed their final MidEurope Music Festival concert at a delightful open air location on Schladming’s main pedestrian plaza.

Click here to see photos of the concert.

Having now heard the ensemble perform four times, with each program varying slightly depending on the time of day and venue, this blogger is really enjoying watching the increased interaction between ensemble members as they hand off a melodic line, gently play beneath the solos, and obviously appreciate the special musical moments their colleagues are creating.

Instructors in the Austrian Alps

Off time in Schladming was a non-stop adventure. As part of our lodging package, we received “Summer Cards,” an inclusive pass for all of the region’s activities, including the Planai gondola, the Dachstein Glacier, the gravity propelled go karts that reach speeds of over 40 mph, and bus access all around. The group relished hikes, mountain bike rides, and taking in the fresh mountain air, so much so, Wesley Ferreira was heard yelling “Schlaaaadmiiiiing,” while running with arms stretched wide down the base of the glacier!

We cannot say enough about the opportunity to be in one incredible location for so many days, a special chance to drill deeper into the culture, history, food, and recreational offerings of an area. Thank you MidEurope Music Festival, and the Alpine town of Schladmubg, Austria for an incredible experience – we all hope to journey back someday!

~ posted by Jennifer Clary

In the Haus

black and white image of St. John the Baptist parish church

The CSU Faculty Chamber Winds traveled up the road from Schladming to in Haus im Ennstal (on the Enns river) to play in the mid-1700’s parish church of St. John the Baptist, which was built after a fire destroyed the original, along with the rest of the town in 1750. The intricate gold Baroque alter was an incredible setting, and it was an honor to perform there.

Altar inside St. John the Baptist's parish church

The festival attendees certainly enjoyed the hour-long concert, giving two rousing ovations, which we obliged with Sousa marches. Although the Austrian’s are certainly familiar with marches, it struck me deeply that in hundreds of years, “Stars and Stripes” has probably never been played in this church. What an emotional moment to bring an American tradition to an already rich culture.

I will now turn over this entry to Richard Frey, the ensemble director:

Our time in Schladming is coming to an end, but this week has been a truly memorable time. Though the weather was unseasonably grey and rainy, it seemed to add to the intimacy of the town and the MidEurope festival. Besides, in a town this charming, if the sun had been out, one might suspect that the whole thing had been built by the fine people at Disney!

The lingering memory for me was our second concert which took place in the next town over from Schladming: Haus im Ennstal. We had already performed our concert at the Congress Schladming earlier that afternoon, and were uncertain what our venue would look like, how the taxi ride there would go, or if anyone would even show up. These are always legitimate questions when playing in unknown venues, but any concern or worry was quickly put aside on our arrival. The people of Haus were welcoming, and the church was magnificent, with the congregation dating back to the 11th century. The interior had a beautiful acoustic for wind playing (Gary’s excellent rendition of the Weber “Andante und Rondo Ungarese” really popped in the sanctuary!), and the scene shown in these pictures only begins to capture the beauty of the church.

Close up of the chamber of wind

For all of these surface elements, the real take away from that night was the joy that the audience brought to our performance. An eclectic mix of nuns, lay people still in their work clothes, and tourists visiting the MidEurope festival, the crowd cheered after every movement, and especially between each of the Copland songs. We gladly returned their standing applause with our two Sousa marches, and much clapping along and smiling ensued.

This concert, as with many of the outdoor concerts we’ve listened to in Schladming, have been filled with excitement, appreciation, and joy for music making. Though we spend hours refining technique, intonation, and the musical subtleties of our program, watching people dance, sing, and revel in these performances reminds me of why I love being a musician and part if a group like ours. It has been a real treat to be part of the joyful music making here in Schladming.

Click here for more photos.

~ posted by Jennifer Clary

Let’s open a festival!

 

Speaker at MidEurpoe Festival of Wind Music

Today the CSU Faculty Chamber Winds were honored to perform the opening concert at the Mid-Europe Festival for Wind Music.

conductor and musicians on stage

The diverse program included works by Rossini, Debussy, Mendelssohn, and Copland, and the attentive audience loved it! A crowd favorite was the highly entertaining Copland songs featuring baritone, John Seesholtz.

Conductor in action

“Excellent! Well balanced,” Kevin Sedatole – director of the World Youth Wind Orchestra Project and director of bands at Michigan State University College of Music – told Seesholtz after the concert.

The ensemble didn’t stop there and continued the evening with a performance in a church in Aus im Ennstal, an equally gorgeous village next to Schladming. More about that magical performance to come from Ensemble Director Richard Frey.

Click here for photos from the opening concert.

~ posted by Jennifer Clary

Graiß di Schladming

Building overlooking the Swiss Alps

Welcome to Austria, truly as beautiful and magnificent as you’ve ever imagined.

On Tuesday, the ensemble took a three and a half hour train ride from Munich to Schladming, peacefully traveling through picturesque countryside where rolling hills and gentle valleys are dotted with red clay-roofed villages. Suddenly the majestic Bavarian Alps came rising out of the mist as a backdrop for serene cows reposing in groups, their tan hide contrasting with the lush green grass.

Not a bad way to travel! I never heard an “are we there yet out of anyone,” and I think I heard someone singing “Climb Every Mountain” (yes, it may have been me…).

Schladming is a former mining city in the Austrian federated state of Styria, bordering Slovenia in the southeast of the country. The pristine resort town is an adventurist’s dream with skiing, hiking, paragliding, and mountain biking, but many shops, cafe’s, and a Benedictine Abbey, featuring a public library and winery are also near by.

conductor directing students

The ensemble spent the afternoon rehearsing in preparation for the Mid-Europe Music Festival, and three concerts on Wednesday. Debussy, Mozart, and Rossini never sounded better than in the lush mountain air. Click here for more rehearsal photos.

gondola ride down the mountain

Two of us managed to squeeze in a gondola ride up the Planai, Schladming’s main mountain, featuring “red” and black runs, and were in awe of the expert mountain bikers careening down the slopes.

The evening meal was taken at a delicious restaurant with a modern take on Bavarian recipes. I had roasted liver and potatoes, which was nothing like the shoe leather with onions my dad used to make! Other favorites were chicken and dumpling soup, goulash, and apple strudel.

Following dinner many of us joined the locals in the square to watch Germany crush Brazil at fútbol. I think we’ve all fallen for Austria!

~ posted by Jennifer Clary