(This photo was made before the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra tour in the summer of 1974 (when I had just graduated high school). One year later I got into the San Jose Symphony.)
Yesterday I played my final Classics set with Symphony San Jose. The program was wonderful, moving, and just what I needed to say goodbye. But it’s not quite goodbye: I have the “Hollywood Spectacular” at the end of this month to play. Originally I didn’t know if I would be playing it or not, but when I heard that a player had had to drop out I readily agreed to play 3rd oboe and English horn on the set. Why not, after all — I’m home and it’s easy to get my “driver” (Thanks, Dan!) to take me to and from the hall!
Meanwhile, I still consider this weekend’s concerts as the ones that are my goodbye. First of all, a number of the “regulars” (be they tenured or subs that are almost always there) aren’t playing the pops. But also, there’s something about the program itself. We started with Handel’s Zadok the Priest (a first for me) which was taxing but fun. Then it was Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. What an incredible, moving, heart-breaking work. And appropriate for our very sad times. The soprano repeats “Dona Nobis Pacem” throughout … a cry for peace that currently seems to be ignored. We ended with Enigma Variations by Elgar which, again, is so very moving.
I mean … what a program!
Speaking of programs, I was “featured” in ours this weekend. I had written a bit and sent it in, because I wasn’t comfortable with the usual questions they were asking, being a local girl who never studied outside of this area, rarely played with other groups, and, to be quite honest, was embarrassed by my lack of Big Stuff to say. I was pleased that they accepted my writing, but of course they had to shorten it due to the limited program space. So here is what I wrote in its entirely in case you are interested:
To my dear colleagues, staff, and audience,
Little did I know, when I joined San Jose Symphony for the 1975-1976 Bicentennial season, that I’d be sitting on stage for the 2025-2026 Symphony San Jose Season. What a time I’ve had. We have been blessed to have so many incredible artists to share the stage with, beginning with my first year that included Virgil Thompson, Carlos Chavez, Aaron Copland and Martha Graham, and moving on to include Jessye Norman, Yo-Yo-Ma, Earl Wild, Radu Lupu, Isaac Stern, Itzhak Perlman, and Paul Tortelier. That list goes on and on.
Thank you to our management: to Andrew Bales for not letting symphony die in San Jose, to Robert Massey, taking over the torch and giving us a fresh new look, to the staff, and the backstage crew for your tireless work. I can’t thank you enough.
To my dear, dear colleagues: thank you for your amazing musicianship. I’m truly humbled. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and yes, patience with me as well. We have been through so much together, both on and off the stage. You are family.
And finally, to our audience. We need you. We love seeing you in the hall. We so appreciate your applause and financial support. Keep those donations coming. In fact, if you think of it and have $51 in your pocket, donate that in celebration of my fifty-one seasons! (Or $510 … or $5,100.) Please continue to support this marvelous, tremendously special group. I look forward to being out in the hall with you, along with my husband Dan, to hear more beautiful music making.
Forever grateful—
Patty
And yes, if any readers feel like donating in my name … well … I wouldn’t argue with that. Hint, hint …!
At the concert yesterday Dan brought his camera. So here is yours truly, wrinkles and all. Quite a change from the photo above, eh?
PS I still have one opera to go as well … La Traviata in April!
