11% of the total weight of the cargo accompanying the San Francisco Symphony on tour in Europe is comprised of seven timpani. That’s 2,450 pounds of heavy duty percussion. Sheperding not only the musicians but also their most valuable possessions through a ten city, three week tour is a monumental task handled by the orchestra’s two operations managers. They are coordinating logistics for train, plane, and bus travel for the players, and truck, cargo plane, and ferry travel for the 11 tons of instruments and other necessities. Twenty-two violins arrived baked in Dublin (rosin cakes had melted and reformed), but no serious damage was found. Missed connections and airport security give the two coordinators much to worry over, but the show always goes on. (thanks Lynn!)