Today the faculty and two students made another sojourn to Trieste to perform a chamber music concert. We were invited as guests of one of Trieste’s most-loved classical musicians, Luca Delle Donne, who has served as a performer and masterclass teacher for the past two summers at IMFA. The venue was a penthouse on the top floor of the Generali building, just around the corner from the Grand Canale.

The view from the top of the Generali building.

Our string faculty (Janet, Spencer and Brooks) performed a beautiful Beethoven string trio, and then Luca and friends (Janet and Brooks, along with student performers Grace and Sean) performed Brahms’ mammoth piano quintet. It was a terrific and exciting performance–the third movement is posted below.

“Luca and Friends” (as advertised locally) perform Brahms.

After the concert, we headed to a local fish restaurant to sample the catch of the day. Though not a fish person myself, the food was delicious and about as fresh as one could hope for. I was particularly proud of myself for not passing out when I was served an entire fish, with head and tail still attached (but guts removed, thank goodness).

Delicious, yet unnerving.