Going to Sardinia for the 1st time was how the year started for me. Playing Rach 3, twice over, with a conductor of my choice, at Cagliari's Opera House, of which Pietrantonio -- my loyal admirer and close friend from the Sorrento Festival -- is now the 'Sovrintendente'-- doing rather well, in sorting the many financial problems he inherited...

It's a beautiful Theatre and they have great audiences. What could go wrong, you may well ask?

Of course, nothing can depress me more, than arrive for a concert to find a bad instrument to cope with and when Rach 3 is "on the menu" ... HELP!

At least, an expert technician was brought in to work for two whole days and save the situation; the ensuing comments from critics (v. Press reviews) made me feel a lot better.

No doubt you will now think of acquiring a piano up to standard, Maurizio?! Auguri.

Koivula, chosen to 'carve', was a great asset as I expected. Surprising Finns will never cease to amaze me with their intense complexity and he didn't fail here: going for a 2-hr long walk to 'sort out his life', following a slightly out-of-focus rehearsal?! or not showing up for dinner because another male had appeared and who seemed to be a better partner for my evening ... weird!

Well, came the Concerts and we made Music, the way I like. Thanks, Hannu! Until next time.

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