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i think going to italy is a terrific idea. in addition to visiting fazioli, you really might consider visiting the val di fiemme where the wood is harvested for ciresa soundboards, used by fazioli. these are the forests where stradivari selected tonewood for his violins, and they have been managed by a community collective since the 1300s.

i visited there when researching my book, though that part of my research didn't make it into the final pages. the folks at ciresa helped me a great deal, and the val di fiemme in the italian alps is a magical place. i would love to return there some day.

i might be in the minority in that i find the more technical the tour, the more interesting, but there is more to learning about piano manufacture than just the piano making factories--there are the action and hammer makers, and the soundboard makers, and the forests those trees come from...

GRAND OBSESSION is supposed to be released in german in about a year, and i am already thinking about how i might help the german publisher launch it, so perhaps there will be a happy confluence?

I am interested. Seeing some big rebuilders shops would be cool

Melissa Warren

What about Amateur Pianist Seminars in Europe. Has anyone been to the World Piano Conference in Novi Sad, Serbia? Lots of very interesting presentations on a variety of pedagogy. And. Serbia is beautiful country, and very inexpensive. The conference is hosted by Dr Dorian Leljak. Usually held in July. I plan on returning next year.

I'm interested!

I'm keeping an eye on this... but I suspect it will be over my budget like it was last year. Is there already a rough approximation what the tour will cost?

Definitely interested if it fits my work schedule (I have some unavoidable commitments). I'd definitely like to see the Steingraeber works if possible.

My wife would come along -- she's a non-pianist and one of those who'd appreciate some non-piano excursions as "breakouts." I suspect she'd even be willing to organize some of that stuff.

I used to be an Indonesian translator (this during the Viet Nam conflict, but I can still speak the language some). I'm determined to get back there for a spell of several months, as soon as I'm finally retired.

And with regard to maintaining a piano in the tropics, it may be time to repost "A Humid Recital Stirs Bangkok."

I really enjoyed the trip and found the group fun and friendly. Guenther was excellent and the places we went were perfect. I liked the bus and found it comfortable.I agree with British Jim about the location of the hotels in an objectionable part of town was not a good thing. Also how about travelling in April or May-so air conditioning is not necessary. June was uncomfortable without air conditioning.
I liked the idea of eating meals with the group but unfortunately, I found the meals of lesser quality than what I expected especially considering the cost of the trip. I ate elsewhere a couple of times and found much better meals were available. Also drinks of any kind were not included with meals and you should have been able to get a glass of iced tea, coffee, or a soda with your meal without paying extra for it.

I read, with great envy, about the last trip and the posted pictures were fabulous. I would be interested in joining next years jaunt.

I would also like to see the Sauter factory as by then, I will own one.

Cheers,

allthumbs

A little lost here, and envious just like "allthumbs," with everyone's posts from the previous trip, but they definitely make this sound like a really exciting trip-to-be.

I am interested and will watch as the details come together. I was thinking of a vacation that would immerse me in both Music History and Food History.

Germany and Italy sound wonderful.

Thanks!
Melissa

I keep looking at this thread and keep drooling more and more... :-/ I think that this trip is starting to look excellent!

Hi Frank:
Do you have dates for the European tour yet? Even approximate dates? When will you have the details nailed down?

Hi virtuosaval2,

We've been working behind the scenes with our tour guide from the previous European Tour but do not have the official agenda yet.

It's looking more and more like we will be waiting until
2014 to do this tour.

For one thing, we want to do it right (we will be sharing the details and asking for feedback).

The other challenge is that Kathy and I have a lot going on right now and aren't able to devote as much time and effort to the tour as we would like.

We are both selling our places (her's is sold, my manufactured home in Largo, Florida is still available ).

If all goes well we will be buying a home together in Maine and moving in after the first of the year. The place needs to be renovated which will take up some of our time.

After that we will be able to devote much more time to the tour, a project we are very excited about!

Thanks, Frank!! I was wondering who is the contact person for the WDR historic instrument collection in Cologne, Germany. I might be there this summer and I'd love to see the collection. You can message me if you don't want it public. Thanks!

Nothing seems happening here anymore. Has it been moved to 2014?

This all sounds so wonderful. Please keep me up to date with information. It's April already and June is so close. I doubt I can swing it but would love to follow in your footsteps sometime in the future, maybe even 2014.

Hope you will join us.I am interested and will watch as the details come together.
Germany and Italy sound wonderful.

Took a quick look at the 2011 trip, looks like it turned out to be quite a success.

There are lots of ways that you can explore Europe; trains, planes, and automobiles. But nothing beats a relaxing river cruise. If you've already seen Big Ben and are looking for something more, maybe a river cruise is in store for you.




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