Saturday, March 23, 2013

Arkas Music Festival 2013

I give my husband credit for choosing this concert. After my son's last basketball game of the season we went to the Arkas Center which houses at least two performance venues; one great hall and one recital hall. The festival lasts all weekend with concerts that seem to feature musicians of all ages and abilities. We saw the very end of an all-girl concert band that presented a jazz/rock influenced piece complete with choreography. Then a group of 8 female vocalists performed three beautiful pieces in Japanese. Their phrasing was impressive. During a break between groups we listened to a string quartet then made our way back to the main hall to listen to the Sasebo Junior Orchestra. This group had some very talented players including the piccoloist and harpist. Their program included music by Elgar, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky. It was a great way to end the day.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Exploring Feb-Mar 2013

Here is an overdue pictorial review of the last couple of months for us.  I'm very glad winter is over and Spring is here.  Highs are in the 50's/60's.  People keep warning me about summer here, but after living in the Caribbean for almost two years, I'm pretty sure I can handle it.  In fact, I look forward to it!

Below are pictures of Saikai Park (which is the most elaborate playground I've ever seen), shots from Mt. Kunimi and our trip to the Nagasaki Lantern Festival.