Zamfir - Yes!!!

Zamfir performed in Chisinau tonight. It was a fantastic event at the Filharmonic Hall. He performed with the Iurie Borsch orchestra, an ensemble from Chisinau, but it sounded like he had performed with them every day for years! The hall was sold out and enthusiasm was very high for this concert sponsored by Jurnal TV and the Romanian Cultural Institute. When I arrived I was greeted by my nai teacher who then introduced me to the Filharmonic Hall house manager. She was very happy to meet me and told me that my professor is the very best (which I already knew) and that the nai is absolutely the best and most interesting instrument. I will remember this tomorrow morning when I am struggling with my E flat major scale once again. It is an amazing instrument and I must agree that it is very special. Zamfir was amazing. I first heard of him while teaching in Australia when I was in my early 20s. I was not too sure then what to think of the panflute playing classical music. Tonight Zamfir was quite at home playing incredibly beautiful and virtuosic Romanian folk melodies and dance tunes, along with some of his hits (Lonely Shepherd - the "Kill Bill" theme). The band consisted of cymbalom, two trumpets, nai and clarinet, two accordions, bass, viola, and two violins. When combined with the special style of Zamfir it is hard to go wrong. This was a great night of music and I feel quite honored to have been part of it.