Dear Friends--

As 2000 draws to a close we are back home in the Promised Land after spending the last two months in the UK and Europe.  It was a very successful time and David played from Aberdeen down to Croydon in the south of England.  The reception was excellent and many memorable moments.  Carl Bonwick was tour manager and so we had many laughs and excellent dinners.  The two recitals that stand out were  Edinburgh, with the Scots really appreciating David in a wonderful way, and then playing in The Old Vic theatre in London.  This is not usually used for recitals,  but it worked splendidly.  David was in the Laurence Olivier dressing room and found it quite inspiring, as all the greats of British theatre have played there and one almost felt their presence.  David rose to the occasion with one of his best ever performances.  He played the Liszt B Minor Sonata which was deeply moving, and  Islamey was quite nerve tingling in its virtuosity and beauty.

Our time in Switzerland and Germany was delightful.  It even snowed, which is a treat for us living in such a warm climate.  It is such an extraordinarily beautiful country and the snow graced the trees and the ground glowing in the sunshine.  We visited Heidelberg, surely one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.  We stayed with friends who had a Fazioli concert grand and so David had many happy hours playing this wonderful instrument.  Even the weather was kind to us.

Earlier in the year we had toured Japan for the fifth time, and as usual the hotels and service were excellent and the audiences amazingly loyal and responsive.  Stories of nasty promoters who take advantage of their artists do not apply to David.  We have been so blessed with fine people who respect and support David.

Our exciting news is that we have bought a seaside retreat at Valla Beach, only half an hour from home.  It is 100 metres from a beautiful quiet beach and opposite the foreshore reserve.  The house is very charming, built of sandstone and timber and it will enable us to have quiet times away from the phone and business of home.

We are both in excellent health and feel so grateful for all the riches of family, friends, beautiful environment and endless opportunities for David to play.

In 2001 we plan to have a quieter year and not return to Europe.  Our only overseas touring will be to Japan in June and also a two week safari trip to Africa with friends in September.  David will do a little playing but basically he will have lots of time to enjoy the wildlife and the beauty of that continent.

We send our warmest wishes to you for the coming Festive Season and for 2001.
 
 
 

                                          ------David and Gillian Helfgott