Nathan Chan

A whirlwind adventure across Europe on tour w/ ! It was a great privilege to lead the cello section as Acting Principal across Salzburg, Zagreb, Ljubljana, Vaduz and Friedrichschafen and get to munch our way through these diverse and varied cities. Here are some highlights:

1. Playing alongside director and Canadian hero in Beethoven and Barber Violin Concertos. I was most astounded by his incredible focus and consistency, even as he switched back and forth between concerti on consecutive nights (and even switching from Strad to Del Gesu!)
2. Such a great honor and privilege to lead this talented and sensitive cello section in Rach 2 and Prokofiev 5. I really felt the section sound mature greatly over the week and I’m deeply appreciative of how we contributed musically each and every night.
3. Delicious delicious beers @ Augustiner Bräu Mülln. Why don’t we have beer halls like this? 😂
4. Gorgeous Salzburg cathedral (where Maria Von Trapp gets married in the Sound of Music) it had been bombed at the start of WWII but has been restored beautifully.
5. Much needed Indian food break from schnitzel w/ dear friend and colleague Timothy Steeves!
6. Back to meat! Sharing a plate and drink with an incredible lake view w/ before our final concert.
7. Hotel breakfasts 💯📈 I’m not usually a breakfast guy but this trip may have convinced me… breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
8. Serendipitous reunion with colleague at Salzburg Festspielhaus! Great to share my experience here with him!!
9. One of our first meals in Salzburg with eager colleagues. The puffy, nockerl was a real treat! 💨
10. office views at Salzburg Festspeilhaus
11. Huge joy to share a new (old!) cello acquisition I am eager to grow with!! 🎻🎉 More info and videos soon of this incredible sounding 1887 Henry Knopf cello!!!