Friday, March 30, 2012

When the Orchestra Wears Jeans

Or shorts, tennis shoes, sandals, or cowboy boots. That's how the Charlotte Symphony showed up for rehearsal today, creating an amalgam of orange jeans, pink sweaters, turquoise pants, and bright scarves as a colorful background to Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and Symphony No. 4.


I've lived in Charlotte for over 25 years and for the first time took advantage of attending a rehearsal for the inexpensive price of $14.00. What took me so long?


On top of having a prime seat at a discount price, I also was able to watch the symphony up close and personal. They were experimenting with live video feeds of the performance and from my point of view, it was a great success!


There is nothing like watching a tuba player's cheeks puffing, the deep breaths of a flautist, the cellist's concentration, the percussionist playing the castanets against his knee, the drummer hitting the drums with gusto, or the synchronized ballet of the violinists' pizzicato--to make you appreciate an orchestra. But beyond that, it was wonderful to watch (from the front!) Christopher Warren-Green's face and arms as he danced his mighty conductor's dance. 


The soloist was Joshua Roman, featured here, and demonstrating that he is indeed, comfortable playing in jeans: 


I hope you don't wait for 25 years to attend a classical music or drama rehearsal near you. I can't wait for the next one.

10 comments:

Kristi Butler said...

When I move to Charlotte, we must go!!

Loved your commentary!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Kristi. It's a date. We'll take your parents and my mother and make a day of it!

alexandra said...

Thanks for blogging about our concert! Hope you'll come back soon to hear us!

Carol Baldwin said...

No doubt about it, I will!

Linda A. said...

Your blog post title sounds like a picture book to me. Keep it in mind. I'm glad you had such a great experience. Thanks for sharing.

Carol Baldwin said...

What a good idea, Linda! Actually, I thought of the title and then felt compelled to write the blog. WHen my children were little I read a picture book to them about what musicians were like "everyday" and I think that was in the back of my mind when I thought of this. But it would be a great picture book. I'll have to think about that one!

2ExploreMusic said...

It's been a few years since I enjoyed a CSO performance, never went to any of their practice sessions, however. I wonder how many of the musicians prefer the casual attire.

Carol Baldwin said...

My guess is that they loved it! YOu should try one of the rehearsals-- you might get back into a CSO groove! Thanks for stopping by!

Jean said...

I want to go, too! When you and Kristi head to the CSO can I tag along?

Jean

Carol Baldwin said...

By all means, Jean!

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