Grounded in Glasgow
12 November 2024
Kia ora e te whānau,
I figured I’ve been in Glasgow a little while now, almost 2 months! I’m feeling really grounded here, living in a great flat in the centre of town, next to George square. It didn’t take long to land in a routine that really works for me - a wonderful balance of practice, playing music with friends, going to the gym and spending time with my partner and flatmates, Clarke, Celia and Tim.
At school I’ve been loving my lessons and classes - a highlight has been my “cross genre class”. I’ve learnt Klezmer and Macedonian tunes, and we’re starting to work on building accompaniment to a Gaelic song. I loved playing in the first Symphony project of the year - Shostakovich’s 5th symphony and Festive Overture. I’ve had successful auditions for two of the orchestra mentorship programmes with the BBC SSO and the Scottish Ensemble, and am playing in two string quartets, which should keep me busy enough.
I have days of feeling overwhelmed and homesick, but I continue to be inspired by my community back home - and I must say thank you again not only for the donations but also the support and inspiration through all stages and areas of my life. Sending so much aroha in every direction around the world. I am thinking of Palestinians, the peoples who will be most affected by Trump’s presidency in the USA, and Māori who are fighting for their lives and their rights. I feel particularly grateful to have the privilege of making art in this time.
Love to you all,
Lauren