...was quite an event. The orchestra was greeted with a standing ovation right off the bat, and Christina Smith, always an engaging speaker as well as performer, provided some well-calibrated opening remarks. Hearing David Coucheron and William Pu as soloists in the Bach was undoubtedly the highlight - while not the most obvious pairing for that work, they brought out the best in each other. Although the flock of teen and pre-teen girls surrounding David at intermission was probably not inspired by his brilliant playing! (Don't worry, Beverly held me back). Michael Palmer is always a pleasure to see conduct - and talk about history, if you want some, check out his bio. Among several familiar faces in the crowd was Jeff Watkins, the founder and artistic director of the Shakespeare Tavern, who knows a thing or two about maintaining an arts organization in lean times (and one of his company actors is the son of Atlanta Symphony players). And kudos to Reggie Colbert at North Atlanta HS who facilitated the event - from the students who greeted us when we came in, to the smiling ushers and the reception provided by the parents' association, NAHS proved a class act.
However, as heart-warming as it was to support the musicians, the cold reality is that these talented players were reduced to concertizing in a high school auditorium and taking donations for ASOPA in open violin cases. Because this program was pulled together on very short notice with little time to prepare, there were moments when the lack of ensemble rehearsal and the effects of the layoff were noticeable. There were moments I could envision providing fodder for those who want to tear down instead of build up. There were moments when it really came home to me how fragile all this is.
All of which is to say, apropos of Andrea's wonderful post below, that while no one should feel they need to take a side in the labor dispute, I would hope that everyone will choose to positively advocate in some way for the preservation of our choral art and for the excellence in performance standards that we strive to present every time we go on stage. You may feel that you have nothing new to say, or that you cannot put it into words, but I guarantee that if you start with an idea or experience that is particularly meaningful to you, that the words will come.
Laurie, I found myself nodding as I read your comments, as I also heard the Atl Symphony Players perform, but on Friday night. Same deal- wonderful to hear them, but sad to see such a group reduced to these circumstances. There was an overflow crowd, and North Atlanta could not have been more supportive- students running the lights, welcoming guests, ushering and forfeiting their seats to adults. Kudos the Mr. Coleman and his school.
ReplyDeleteWhen I spoke with several of the musicians, they all voiced the same dismay and heartache at the possibility of their future as an orchestra; interestingly, though, was a true and unwavering concern not for themselves but for their sick colleagues who have no health insurance since the end of August. Apparently, negotiations have been as ugly as any of us can imagine. This is a travesty, and as much as I loved hearing them play, I would truly love the opportunity to do so again in our crappy symphony hall.
I too am nodding at noth of your comments. I wondered if the room was overflowing not only due to support but also the fact that it was free.
ReplyDelete