The YPC has been hard at work rehearsing over the past couple of days in preparation for the first concert tonight in Kurashiki. The choristers had a six hour tech rehearsal in Okayama yesterday, and were able to get used to the size of the stage and hall, and practice on the special wooden risers that will be used at every concert.
We also had our first taste of Japanese food that is served before most of our concerts: salad, fruit, rice triangles (filled with fish, shrimp or chicken usually), cookies, and lots of water! The food is always very good, and many choristers who returned from last year were eager to have some of these favorites again. We then went to an Italian restaurant for dinner for great pizza and pasta, and many Japanese treats including frosty fruit drinks and ice cream.
After sectionals and rehearsal this morning, the choristers ventured out for lunch, and then have been resting before tonight’s tech rehearsal and concert. There is a mixture of excitement, anticipation, nervousness, and hope that all our Japanese lyrics will be understood and pronounced well!