We're enjoying dashing here and there last-minute with all the offerings of living in a city. Mid-week I went to a women's tennis tournament that included Sharapova, Hingis, Hantuchova and Dementieva, among others. I saw most of the big names except Maria Sharapova, and enjoyed my full day at the tournament - good thing because for the price of entry to anything here in Tokyo, one better enjoy oneself! Bill had a business dinner so I stayed right on through the evening to enjoy doubles too. The tournament probably made the sports news in the USA because Hingis defeated Sharapova yesterday - a wolloping, too! So Martina is on her way back, although she got walloped today by Dementieva.
Last night Bill and I ventured over to the symphony hall without advance tickets and discovered the performance was sold out. No problem - I have my friend Mr. Egami there. Even though he wasn't there, I dropped his name and two tickets appeared for us. Interesting seats because they were beside the orchestra and the 120-strong male chorus. The major work (about 1 hour long) was Japanese, Cantata Tengai, for orchestra, chorus and boy solo. It started out as a contemporary piece, but evolved to a lot of a Rutter sound - absolutely mesmerizing and beautiful. The boy solo voice was beautiful - having had a boy singer ourselves and hearing many others, this boy's voice was the best we've ever heard. He looked to be about 9 or 10 in his darling formal shorts and suit jacket, high white socks and patent shoes. But the lady next to us said he was 13. Hopefully his voice will change late so he can use that exquisite instrument for a while.
Three weeks here and four times to the symphony - all of them different orchestras. Much fun.
