Concert Redux

Last night was our final concert of the season. Despite the raging storm (which actually added some on-cue thunder and lightning!), several hundred people joined us for a fun evening of beautiful music.

We opened with the Berlioz Roman Carnival. It was bright, exciting, and quite the crowd pleaser. Next came Candide, which is always a favorite. The wind solos were electric and everyone really meshed for a performance of the piece that went off quite well. On to An American in Paris and That Trumpet Solo. Oh, that trumpet solo. It was like some kind of delicious, thick indulgence for your ears. Bravo to the whole brass section for a spirited and masterfully played rendition of a difficult piece.

After intermission it was Franck's Symphony in d minor. Now, Franck was an organist and I think you can really tell in the way he writes for the orchestra. To me it seemed like he was paying attention to the instruments' colors and ranges when composing this piece. For instance, the first violins often had the same melodic figure in the same range repeated throughout a movement. We were the pipes and stops of the orchestra-organ that made the high, clear sound he wanted for that melody. You could also tell he played a keyboard instrument by the way the violin part jumped up 3 octaves with no preparation or break! It was a tough piece but we pulled it off and the audience responded well.

After the concert Bob quieted the applause to make a special announcement. One of our 2nd violinists, Theodora, is moving. This is significant not only because we're a community and would miss any member who was leaving but also because Theodora has been playing in the Phil for 62 seasons. 62. That's not a typo. If you do the math you discover that she joined in 1948. I caught up with Theodora after our Thursday night dress rehearsal and asked about her experiences in the Phil. Here's what she had to say:

LP: How long have you been playing violin?

TM: Well, I started when I was 5.

LP: What's your favorite memory of playing in this orchestra?

TM: The whole thing is one beautiful memory. We've played with some wonderful soloists and accompanying them was inspirational.

LP: What's your favorite music to play with this group?

TM: Mozart. He's my favorite composer to play. His music is so precise and classical. I especially like the concertos.

LP: How has the orchestra changed since you joined?

TM: Oh, it's much better. The atmosphere has improved, especially under our current conductor.

LP: What will you miss the most about the Phil?

TM: I'll miss playing the music, all the wonderful composers. Every moment here was splendid. It's a privilege to play.

Theodora is a treasured asset to our ensemble and she will be missed. Most of us can only hope that we'll get to spend as many years as Theodora has in an orchestra like the Phil. When I joined the ensemble earlier this year several members told me that this group is special because of members like Theodora. This is an orchestra where people stay. They commit themselves to our community and the result is music made out of joy and love and friendship. I hope that when people come to our concerts they sense that. I hope that when you read about us you sense that too.