As we exited the Chicago suburbs, and the corporate jungle evaporated, I found myself excited by all the shockingly open space in Illinois. We were on our way to Bloomington/Normal for an appearance on the Red Note Music Festival at Illinois State University. During our time there, the students were highly receptive and energetic at our master class and composer readings, not to mention the engaged and interested audience for our evening concert of works by Carter, Balter, Fisher-Lochhead, Dehaan and Thomalla.
Sometimes you're acutely aware you're arriving somewhere much different than home:
Our Monday arrival at ISU and Russ in action coaching Ligeti's solo sonata:
Backstage before Monday evening's concert, things sometimes get a bit punchy:
A view of downtown Bloomington from my Tuesday morning run:
Tuesday afternoon's composer readings included feedback from the venerable Joan Tower in the lovely concert hall at ISU.
Winter storms could not stop us from a swift return to the windy city:
