Sunday 18 December 2011

Recital and Concerts!

Well! This weekend has been amazing!  As you know, I had my recital this past Friday.  I had invited a few people from my apartment, but I didn't expect the turnout !  About 20 people (or more, including my flat mates) came to support me at the recital!

My performance was not bad.. it could have been better but also could have been worse so I'm not complaining at all haha! I played the whole of Bach's English suite no. 2, Brahms op. 118, no. 2-4, and an improvised Christmas medley.  My colleagues also performed.   I am glad that the audience enjoyed the recital. 
Here are a few pictures Kyle took at the recital.





After the recital, I went to grab a kebab (equivalent of a shawarma.. except in a burger bun) with the guys then I went to the first choir concert.

The choir concerts were very nice although the churches was freezing!  I performed with my coat on.  On Friday evening we performed in a town about 40 km outside of Graz called Leibniz and on Saturday we performed in a town close to Leibniz.. I forget the name haha.  Here are some pics I took at the concerts.

At the first concert on Friday evening

The choir
The choir director, Zelika
The venue at the second concert on Saturday evening


After the second concert on Saturday evening, the choir members went out for dinner and invited me and I happily accepted the invite!  We had a 5 course traditional Steierian meal.  "Steierian" comes from Steiermark, and it is the province that Graz is in.  I even won a gift at the dinner haha.  But all in all, a good night.

School is officially out for the holidays and as Christmas is approaching, many of the students are going back home, traveling, etc.  Therefore I've been hanging out with some friends before they go off for the holidays.  Here are some more pictures!

Hanging out with the flat mates! (and no, I and Mario's outfits were not planned lol)

My flatmates got me a cake and posted it on my door with this note :) what can I say?.. I have awesome flatmates!
That's all from me for now.  As always, thank you for reading!  I gotta go cook for the guys! Cheers and God bless!

Kofi

Saturday 10 December 2011

Christmas!

Hey guys!

Sorry for slacking off on the posts!  As Christmas is approaching, the city is filled with lights, music, and happy people!  It seems like the Christmas spirit is getting to everyone!  I went up to Schlossberg, which is the clock tower on top of the hill which over looks Graz, and I took some pictures of the events happening there. 

Christmas spirit in Hauptplatz, one of the main plazas in the city
Again
The Christmas tree in the city center
Something like this is very common in Graz.. there are people playing music everywhere!

Entrance to Schlossberg, if you look at the top right, you can see it !

Schlossberg

The Christmas market at Schlossberg
Again
 View from the top of the restaurant at Schlossberg

There is also a bell tower

Above the market

A view of the city

Besides taking in the Christmas spirit, I have been preparing for the recital on Friday which I will be playing Bach and Brahms.  Also, exactly a week from now, I will be playing in a Christmas concert with a choir, just outside of Graz!  It should be an exciting week and I will be sure to make a post about the events!  Hope everyone is enjoying their weekends and thank you for reading.  God Bless!

Kofi