Searching For The Sun

Summer is here, and though the volatility of the weather may cast doubt on the season’s true nature, summer is indeed upon us. Renouncing the austerity of winter, now lush, spring-sprouted leaves hang from trees, dancing on a gentle wind. Color is oozing from everywhere, from flowering bushes, blossoming trees, succulent inviting, deep, dark and bright vegetables and happy smiling adults sporting exuberant colours. What a joy to watch. Sunny summers bring a smile to the hearts of even the most ardent pessimists. In France it is the abundant festivals taking place that announce the arrival of summer. It is a season of bounty for music, art, theatre and dance lovers. From the Paris Jazz Festival, to the rightly prestigious Avignon Festival, Nice Jazz Festival, a festival in Aix-en-Provence and many, many more France explodes with the sound and motion of revellers. And food and wine lovers are not left out either, with the Bordeaux wine festival and the bizarre pig festival in Trie Sur Baise to keep them occupied. Last weekend I performed in my first festival of the season, the International festival of contemporary art in Les Baux-De-Provence, a little town tucked away in the Alpilles mountains. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the view from the town is spectacular. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, for the last 5 years it has hosted an international art festival that has attracted artists from all over the world. The theme this year was “Dialogues with Goya – The Disasters of War.” I was invited, along with pianist Frédéric Maintenant, to perform for the opening ceremony. That was the 4th of July. after we spent 4 wonderful days just being, being surrounded by beauty. What a joy, work combined with a little holiday. I am blessed.IMG_0381 IMG_0384IMG_0397IMG_0398 I wonder what the rest of the summer holds for me.

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