1999 Washington DC Tour

The tour to Washington DC in 1999 was a resounding success. All three concerts were of a high standard and enthusiastically received by large appreciative audiences. Standing ovations were part of the fun so that, at our last concert in the IDB Cultural Center, we simply had to play an encore, which caused some confusion as music had been left backstage. We have an invitation to return to Washington in 2001!

We had a wonderful day with the Army Band, culminating in the joint concert outside the Capitol Building. As I was conducting Holst's St Paul's Suite, I looked up to see the Washington Memorial in front of me and the Capitol Building behing me and knew it was a moment I would always remember.

We were very fortunate to see round the White House as it can be very difficult to get tickets. As it was we had to leave the hotel at 7:00am to be allocated tickets on the tour of the day! We spent time at Mount Vernon - George Washington's home - which was rather appropriate as he never lived in the White House. Other visits included the Air and Space Museum and the Newseum, which was interrupted by a fire evacuation due to some smoke in a lift - not a NYSA person smoking, I am happy to say.

A definite high spot was the Duck Boat trip which looked and sounded like a lot of fun. Shopping - urrrgh - and the latest Austin Powers film, BEFORE it could be seen in the UK - wow - completed what turned out to be a very special experience for everyone.