I’m just home from the NCCO concert. Or … well … I’m home and quickly in pjs and now blogging.
What a fabulous concert. So full of energy. As I was watching the musicians smiling (!!) at each other and Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg stomping her leg at times (no, I didn’t hear it) I thought, “They look like they are having so much fun … but I know how much work this is, too.”
When they came out for the second half to do the Tchaikovsky Souvinir de Florence Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg asked us if we all had the program insert, since the program said it was three movements and it was actually four. Then she said, “We could play 3 movements and you could get a little discount on you way out.” She seems quite comfortable joking with the audience. I couldn’t tell, though, if she was happy or not with the somewhat noisy response after the first movement. She did react by looking out at us. But then she looked out at other times too. I like the connection between players & audience, and she’s good at it. I think it’s a great thing.
The first half was Prokofiev’s Visions fugitives (arranged for piano and strings) and Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1. The solo pianist, Anne-Marie McDermott forwarned us that there would be no break between the two works, and indeed, there was no break at all. But the trumpet enters in the Shostakovich (and Adam Luftman entered as he played his first little fanfare like solo — he’s quite the player, btw) so it was clear when it began. When we were told about the segue I was concerned; audiences worry all the time about knowing when things are over, and I did wonder if it would be obvious when we moved from the first to the second work (yes, even I don’t get it right every time). But no worries. And clearly we moved from Prokofiev to Shostakovich, although I must say there were parts of the Prokofiev that sounded more like Ravel to me for some reason.
What a group the New Century Chamber Orchestra is. I hope to get to more of their concerts! And it was fun to see a few folks I’ve worked with up there. But no, I didn’t go up and say “hi”. I’m always afraid it looks like I’m trying to say, “Look at me! I know these people.” So I sat in my seat throughout the intermission. I’m also rather shy that way.
… and many thanks Maura!
There is a part of me that wants to become a Professional Audience Member (PAM™). Just think: NO reed making. NO fear. NO stress. And still great joy. Hmmm. Anyone want to pay me to become a PAM™? I don’t want to review mdash; I believe that might take some of the joy away. So I just want to sit and enjoy. C’mon. Any takers? I’m ready and willing to [not] work. 😉
And now it’s time to change some clocks around here. I hate hate hate hate hate (you get the idea) daylight savings time. I think it should be outlawed.
