I've returned from a week-long trip to my old stomping ground, Greensboro, NC. I was their soloist for their season opener, playing "Rhapsody in Blue" under the baton of my successor as music director, Dmitri Sitkovetsky.

I had a great time. I got to see many dear friends. It brought back a lot of happy memories of my time with that orchestra. The reception I got from the players and patrons was overwhelmingly warm. The music making was relaxed and fun. Dmitri is charming and lovely.

One of the highlights of the week was a chamber music program on Friday night with Dmitri and several of the GSO musicians. The subscription series are on Thursdays and Saturdays, and they always perform chamber music with the guest artists in between. I performed the Mozart Kegelstatt Trio (for piano, clarinet and viola), as well as the Dvorak Piano Quintet, which I had performed earlier in the summer with the Fry Street Quartet. The concert was at UNCG's School of Music recital Hall. What a beautiful facility. I was very envious. Again, the concert was a joy, giving me the opportunity to make music in a more intimate environment with some very dear friends, as well as with Dmitri, a world-class violinist. (An interesting note: Dmitri was unable to bring his Stradivarius violin with him from London, due to airline restrictions, so he ended up borrowing a violin from Sam LeBauer, a doctor friend who luckily owns a Galliano fiddle. Dmitri made the most of a less than perfect situation - it's not easy to suddenly work with a different instrument - and played beautifully.)

I must admit that I arrived in Greensboro with some nervousness. How would the orchestra sound? What would working with Dmitri in this role reversal (last time he was soloist under my baton) be like? Would the orchestra be pleased to see me? How would I play (I don't perform as a concerto soloist often)?

I am pleased to say that my apprehensions were unfounded. The orchestra sounded terrific. Dmitri was a gem. It felt just like the good old days with the players. And, yes, I think I played very well.