Unusual opportunities

One of the “draws” for coming to a place like Cairo, and a large(ish) university like AUC, was the access to unusual events and opportunities. I’ve been calling these posts “Bonuses” because in the realm of my life in Cairo, that is how I view them. They are unexpected and wonderful additions to my experience here – and are not readily available to all who visit.

A few days ago, I received this e-mail:

My dear colleagues,

I am going to play a short, informal recital on the harpsichord this Monday, June 30, at 8 p.m. in the Falaki Studio Theater (in the AUC downtown campus, room 312 of the New Falaki building, at Falaki and Sheikh Rihan Streets). The balance of the concert will consist of music for harpsichord of Scarlatti, Bach, and Couperin. Gala El Hadidi will also join me to sing a few arias of Monteverdi and Vivaldi with harpsichord continuo.

The harpsichord in question dropped out of the sky about three weeks ago, on loan from an extremely generous benefactor. Since then I seem to be spending most of my time playing it, as opposed to getting any actual work done. That being the case, it seemed to make sense to invite you all to a recital in order to better acquaint you with this marvelous instrument.

I hope you can join me and Gala on Monday evening.

How often does one get invited to a harpsichord recital? And then, being joined by a singer to “sing a few arias of Monteverdi and Vivaldi”?

I have to admit, I’d never heard a harpsichord being played. I’ve seen them in museums, but to have a friend actually PLAY one was fantastic. The selected pieces emphasized both the strengths of the instrument, and the versatility of the musician. The singer had an incredible mezzo-soprano voice that filled the small venue with sensuous sound.