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I had a long day today!  This morning we cut and spliced the video excerpts for the pre-concert presentation.  This afternoon I had a rehearsal with the pianist who will be playing the Beethoven 4^th piano concerto.  (Always been one of my favorite pieces – I really like the CD with Helene Grimaud, Kurt Masur and the New York Philharmonic).  The pianist, Miao Hou, plays quite well.  She has a very romantic interpretation of the Beethoven, which I like, but which also makes it a challenge to follow.  She has a freedom of tempo that makes the piece interesting, but it also means that you have to be on your toes in literally every measure.  Because of that, I was worried about how it would mesh with the orchestra, but it came together well, and once more through in the dress rehearsal should solve any final problems.  I was glad to have another rehearsal on the Brahms.  (And this one was in the hall!)  The piece is going well.  I wish I had more time to work on some detail with the group, but maybe next time we’ll have the opportunity to focus more.  It’s a shame that orchestras like Midland/Odessa’s are perpetually in search of funding to be able to afford rehearsal time.  We can hope that they raise more funds to the effect of being able to afford more rehearsal time in the future.  Tomorrow morning is the dress rehearsal, after which I hope I have some time in the afternoon to get a nap in, then the concert.