Alpine Music

Duingt Castle, on lac d'Annecy

Bonsoir, all:

A second post in one week.  A record:)

Face painting during the Festival of the Petite Paumé in our neighborhood

Don't sneeze, Leo

But, it’s an easy thing to do, because my parents are here and have completed week one of their grand French tour.  It’s been great so far, and I’ve got pictures to prove it..

Samples at the market

Giant Fava Beans...yum.

I’m constitutionally built to be blissfully happy by wandering the outdoor market near our house, every day.  I realise that this bores others to tears.  So, I’ve only subjected Mom and Dad to it a few times.  The kids came along, mostly because they knew full well that there would be treats.  I love bribery and I care not who knows it.

Enough with the market, Dad!

This week, I had a recital up in the picturesque Alpine village of Talloires, which is just across Lake Annecy from the town of Annecy, itself.  You can read more about Annecy from a post on this blog back in November.  It is a beautiful and historical place, which sits on the northern tip of a beautiful mountain lake, just 30 minutes from the Italian and Swiss borders and about two hours from Lyon.

Talloires is a very small village which I had not visited before.  I was invited to sing there by the Tufts University European Centre, which is located in and around a medieval priory in Talloires.  The heir of the priory donated the structures and land to Tufts University in the mid 20th century. Tufts has maintained a summer institute there for its students, ever since.  This summer, my friend John McDonald is a scholar-in-residence at Talloires.  He is a terrific composer and pianist, and we performed a recital of songs by American and French composers, including a world premiere by John, himself.

The welcoming dock in Talloires

The concert room is beautiful, and the town surrounding the structure is inspirational.  My Dad summed it it up well by remarking that one can turn 360 degrees anywhere in Talloires, and at any point one is looking at something remarkable. True.

Sur le Pont, in Annecy

Daphne collecting l'escargot

Looking across the lake from Talloires

We spent only about two days on the lake, staying in Annecy, but travelling to Talloires by ferry which is, by far, the best way to commute to work.  Daphne joined us for the trip and even convinced (begged) me to go for a swim in the 16 degree celsius (60 fahrenheit) mountain lake water.  This kid loves swimming more than just about anything.  We were able to swim (actually submerged) for about 40 minutes before we had to run for our towels and some warmth.  But, swimming with the mountain scenery surrounding us was well worth our chills.

Daphne, testing the waters

After a post-concert, celebratory dinner in Talloires, we headed back to Annecy and then retured to Lyon, just this afternoon.  The girls had a choral concert this evening, and their entire group was in superb voice. Such an experience to sit in this beautiful hall just steps from our house and listen to the girls and their classmates perform the pieces they’ve been working on all year.  I sat there feeling so impressed by how much they’ve learned, trusted and incorporated this year.  

Salle Moliere, the hall for the School Concert

I can always count on Cora to find us in the audience.

These kids amaze me.

We’ve got an exiting week ahead, and a trip to Aix-en-Provence scheduled next week.

Sampling Annecy's local fare...

The commute to Talloires

Lunch in Talloires

Back on the bus

French Cuisine...

Daphne and Grandma in Annecy

Looking out the window from G & G's apartment

Lots of love to you all,

Aaron