Fornach (A), Lohninger

Deep deep deep in the woods there is a place called Fornach…and Mister Walter Struger organizes concert abbonement with four concerts a year right there in the middle of nowhere and turns it into the place to be and the place to play. Charming „Wirtshaus Lohninger“ opens its doors for musicians all over the world and turns into a concert hall filled with an incredible audience full of energy.mathias and I arrived by train and Walter picked us up at the train station took us to Fornach and invited us into his home…a beautiful house surrounded by green hills and fresh air. Walter’s passion for music is inspiring and his vinyl collection made me wanna move in immediately : )! We had coffee and müsli before we went to our sound check and met with Hans, Ingrid, Mario and of course Thomas Egger who was already doing his thing - taking care of everything when it comes to sound. No matter what problems might occur…Thomas solves them, oh yes it’s true!!!
It was the first time that we played two sets with pieces from both of our programs combining our Winter Journey with my poet’s love. And I have to say it felt gooood! After a „short“ ; ) introduction by Walter (and I think he is very famous for his introductions : ) ) we started our set. The place was crowded and filled with excitement that encouraged us from the very start. You have to imagine, the front row was so close that they could rest their feet at the edge of the stage. It was simply wonderful, so intimate - it felt like a big big family in one room. It was extraordinary and I had a wonderful time on stage - we had a wonderful time on stage and enjoyed playing together so much - standing so close - hearing each other so well - I wanted to either take the audience with me or never leave : )!!!What a solo on „ The Numbers and the dates“ Hans!!!Mario Rom…what can I say…he is outstanding and his every note tells a story. It was pure pleasure to share the stage with him once more. In Walter’s speech, he introduced two young men from Syria. They arrived 7 months ago on the 7th of November in Fornach and have been living there since then…starting a new life! Christian Lohninger welcomed them into his home and he introduced me to the two of them after the concert.  I didn't know what to say. Everyone of us can learn so much from their incredible courage and strength and it was an honor play and sing for them - thank you for coming out that night and thank you for helping with the heavy heavy piano : ).
We took a lot of pictures and yessss a lot of selfies as well : )!I have to say it is just beautiful and inspiring to see how many helping hands work together to make nights like this possible, it takes a lot of passion and love for details to make something like this happen - to make music happen. Thank you Fornach for your open minds and open hearts!
I had homemade „Hascheeknödel“ and a beer : ))) we didn't stay up too long, cause we had an early early train to catch the next morning to Switzerland…Walter picked us up after our breakfast at Lohninger’s (wonderful food, you have to go there sometime!!!) and took us all the way to Vöcklabruck!Thank you for the poetry and homemade jam Walter and thank you for bringing music deep deep deep into the woods : ). We are truly grateful for being a part of  the one and only "Musik beim Wirt"!

Until we meet again : ), yours Lia!

P.S.: Thank you for letting me keep the beautiful picture, I already know where I’m gonna put it : )!!!

The Event:
Fornach (A), Lohninger - my poet's love