A little over a year ago I submitted yet another online application. The past 10 years I’ve practically made a profession out of the process: undergrad applications, graduate school (twice!), summer music festivals, Young Artist Programs, doctorate degree applications, grants…and of course the credit card and student loan applications to cover the cost of my online application hobby.
I’d always wanted to apply for a Fulbright scholarship. Three years ago I even went to Vienna and met with a prospective teacher in the hopes of creating an affiliation that could aid my prospects. The application process and deadline fell, however, as I was in the midst of learning my first Russian opera, preparing my Russian master’s recital, and auditioning for opera young artist programs. So that online application fell by the wayside.
Until last summer. The application deadline fell, once again, at an inconvenient time. In the final week of its preparation (still debating whether or not to actually go through with it), I was offered a contract with a fantastic opera company that would conflict with the Fulbright term, IF awarded the grant. After an inordinate amount of self-inflicted, unnecessary stress (my usual routine), I finished the application. Pressed the submit button. And then accepted the opera contract for Fall 2012. Otherwise known as NOW.
And here I am in Moscow. Researching what I love, working at the Bolshoi Opera to accomplish said research, and enjoying the struggle of doing said work in a language that still feels extremely elusive. The past few days have been a series of reality checks. In a good way.
I passed a company truck on the way into work and had to stop to take a picture.
1776. A pretty crucial year in American history. Also the same year my current company was founded.
This is the façade of the renovated theater, photographed at least hundreds of times daily. And that's just by me...
This is that same façade on the 100 ruble. One of my Russian colleagues referred to it as a храм (khram) or temple, as we sat in the theater at the opening troupe meeting of the season.
In all honesty, I don’t think I ever really got excited to come to Moscow. I didn’t have time to be. And when I finally did have the time, I was too busy trying to plan the details of getting here. And worrying about what I was leaving behind. But despite said emotional conflict, I’m in awe at how life has played out out. And when I walked into the theater I knew I was in the right place. Despite being surrounded by unfamiliar faces and a foreign language, I sat down at the piano and knew I was home.
I’d always wanted to apply for a Fulbright scholarship. Three years ago I even went to Vienna and met with a prospective teacher in the hopes of creating an affiliation that could aid my prospects. The application process and deadline fell, however, as I was in the midst of learning my first Russian opera, preparing my Russian master’s recital, and auditioning for opera young artist programs. So that online application fell by the wayside.
Until last summer. The application deadline fell, once again, at an inconvenient time. In the final week of its preparation (still debating whether or not to actually go through with it), I was offered a contract with a fantastic opera company that would conflict with the Fulbright term, IF awarded the grant. After an inordinate amount of self-inflicted, unnecessary stress (my usual routine), I finished the application. Pressed the submit button. And then accepted the opera contract for Fall 2012. Otherwise known as NOW.
And here I am in Moscow. Researching what I love, working at the Bolshoi Opera to accomplish said research, and enjoying the struggle of doing said work in a language that still feels extremely elusive. The past few days have been a series of reality checks. In a good way.
I passed a company truck on the way into work and had to stop to take a picture.
1776. A pretty crucial year in American history. Also the same year my current company was founded.
This is the façade of the renovated theater, photographed at least hundreds of times daily. And that's just by me...
This is that same façade on the 100 ruble. One of my Russian colleagues referred to it as a храм (khram) or temple, as we sat in the theater at the opening troupe meeting of the season.
In all honesty, I don’t think I ever really got excited to come to Moscow. I didn’t have time to be. And when I finally did have the time, I was too busy trying to plan the details of getting here. And worrying about what I was leaving behind. But despite said emotional conflict, I’m in awe at how life has played out out. And when I walked into the theater I knew I was in the right place. Despite being surrounded by unfamiliar faces and a foreign language, I sat down at the piano and knew I was home.
Wow. Truly amazing. I still have a hard time believing your are over there, snaking other people then me. :) I love you.
ReplyDelete*than*-gross spelling correction.
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