All you ever wanted

A study by the Internet-based market research firm Harris Interactive revealed that 57 percent of Americans ended 2011 with unused vacation time, working, on average, 11 of their allotted days off.  That’s 70 percent of their potential time to relax and spend time with family and friends!

Why do so many of us work rather than rest? 

We might take a cue from classical musicians who find creative ways to combine work and pleasure, especially in the summer months.

Look at the first weekend in August.  RPO Principal Pops conductor Jeff Tyzik is off to Idaho to lead the Sun Valley Symphony in a majestic Alpine setting with his friend and colleague, RPO concertmaster Juliana Athayde.    Singers in the Finger Lakes Choral Festival fly to San Francisco to perform Berlioz’ Requiem in Davies Symphony Hall. Closer to home, members of the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra have found the Finger Lakes to their liking; local audiences have enjoyed performances near Rochester throughout the summer.  Pianist Rebecca Penneys is spending the entire season in idyllic Chautauqua.

Are these musicians working?  Yes? 

Is it fun?  Yes.  Most of them would describe it as beyond fulfilling.

How do you combine work and play?