Gratitude – Day 50 – Joyce DiDonato

I’m grateful for hard workers. We snuck into part of the final orchestra rehearsal for Aida which opens here on the 9th, and I shot this candid photo while the 2 cellists worked together a bit after the proper rehearsal was finished. I loved the site of the empty pit, no overtime being paid, no one waving a baton, and musicians just working to make it better – simply for the sake of making it better. I know this goes on in many orchestras (not all – but many!) but I still love to witness it – it brings me a feeling of solidarity with the folks in the pit. Graçias, Amigos! (And for the record, it’s like Christmas all over again to hear Dolora Z in this role!!!)

As an artist, you will never arrive at a fixed destination. THIS is the glory and the reward of striving to master your craft and embarking on the path of curiosity and imagination, while being tireless in your pursuit of something greater than yourself.