Every concert was a major production involving transportation and set up of drum set, timpani, basses, a tuba and keyboards.  I was usually in charge of getting the musicians ready and making sure everyone had black socks on and bow ties were on straight.

The Esterhazy Palace was built in the 13th century as a summer residence for the Hungarian Esterhazy royal family.  Eisenstadt is a small village, everyone came to hear us play.

We once again adjusted to the acoustics in this new environment.  The Haydn Hall was spectacular in its beauty and sound.  What an experience to play 2 works of Joseph Haydn in the very hall in which he composed and performed.

This is the view of the Haydn Hall from the stage.  Joseph Haydn worked for the Esterhazy family for almost 40 years and composed many of his works while living at the palace.

This concert was perhaps the most memorable for me.  The Haydn Hall was absolutely magical, with perfect acoustics.  The audience was very responsive and we received a standing ovation! (rare for Europe)

We have only a few hours to tour Vienna after our morning concert in Eisenstadt.  One highlight was the Belvedere Palace.

The Belvedere was built in 1697 for Prince Eugene of Savoy.

We toured the exterior of the palace, but did not have time to enter the museum.  On another visit to Vienna, I plan to reserve a day or two to explore.

We enter the restaurant for a wonderful evening of food, wine  and entertainment.

A traditional Austrian dinner at the winery restaurant.  Everything was very high quality, but we missed fresh vegetables.