Recording at FAMES Institute, North Macedonia & Concert at Kolarac Hall, Belgrade
Huge thank you to everyone at FAMES institute in Skopje, North Macedonia. What an inspiring experience. 5 days of intensive orchestral rehearsals & then recordings in the state-of-the-art FAMES studios.
Such dedication and hard work from the musicians who had travelled from all corners of Europe for this Creative Europe supported project. And of course incredibly tireless work from the recording & production team.
Plus I was so impressed by what Aude & Laurent have set up here in the Skopje suburbs - no wonder they are becoming the go-to studio for orchestral soundtrack recordings.
Then after the recording we took a 6 hour road trip to Belgrade, to perform a concert at the historic Kolarac Hall. So good to finally visit this super energised & culturally vibrant city. I really wasn't sure we would pull off the new orchestral version of 'Techno Suite', but somehow the orchestra nailed all of the tricky syncopations, and the modular electronics mixed in beautifully thanks to the good acoustics.
Plus the audience were so responsive, there was a real connection! Etienne Abelin's great MCing also helped.
Very much looking forward to coming back soon. And may be next time I'll even get to have a play with the old Blüthner Piano that's on display in the foyer (and was performed on by my grandfather back in 1935).
