Writing in this month's issue of The Juilliard Journal, viola master's student Carole Rodland says "the trip far surpassed our expectations in the most surprising ways.'' Admitting that spirits were momentarily dampened when they discovered that Bermuda was not, as they had assumed, situated in the hot climes of the Caribbean, but nearer the Carolinas, Ms Rodland writes, "Not only was it great fun in beautiful surroundings, but it was both musically and personally rewarding.'' Noting that Juilliard was the first full symphony to ever visit the Island, Ms Rodland writes that the entire group was "touched and inspired'' by the enthusiastic reception from the sold-out St. John's Church audiences.

"Soloists Jennifer Hayghe and Ilya Finkelstein, conductor Otto-Werner Mueller, and the Orchestra were warmly received. Maestro Muller actually smiled on numerous occasions during the performances! (He even openly admits to this!).'' Referring to Marjorie Pettit's review of the concerts in The Royal Gazette , she says that words such as "dazzling'' and "thrilling'' tended to reinforce the rumour that the Juil liard Orchestra is to be invited back for future Festival performances.

Members of the Orchestra, which features the cream of some of the world's most promising musicians, were obviously much impressed with the friendly hospitality they received from their Bermudian hosts. Ms Rodland also reveals that the brief winter break from North America's seemingly constant snowstorms gave the Orchestra an unusual opportunity to get to know each other, away from "daily stresses of life in New York City, where Juilliard students are so busy that they often do not even take the time to greet each other.'' Some of them even risked a midnight dip in the ocean, and they all attended a reception given in their honour at Government House.

Concludes Ms Rodland, "We may have gone expecting only to enjoy stunning ocean views, but we returned with new friends and fond memories of an extremely fulfilling musical experience.''