Music to My Ears

Literally. My wonderful symphony-going companions, Jynae and Lisa, joined me for an incredible evening of music provided by the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. The program tonight was spectacular! (Of course it didn't hurt that we amazingly ended up with seats in the third row, almost at center stage.) In honor of Veteran’s Day, the evening began with the Armed Forces Salute arranged by Lowden. My heart just swells every time I hear those theme songs and see the many standing who have fought for our freedom here in this nation. I am overwhelmed with gratitude!

Following was a breathtaking performance of the Barber Adagio for Strings. I think the whole audience was taken aback – we could barely issue an applause for fear that the moment would be broken. In striking contrast, the stage next gave way to a trio of percussionists to perform Russell Peck’s The Glory and the Grandeur Concerto for Percussion Trio and Orchestra. If the Adagio was breathtaking, this one left us breathless! From the quick maneuvering required at times to the stunning display of virtuosity on the multitude of instruments, these guys were fantastic! Jynae and Lisa and I commented during the intermission that followed that we wished they would come out and play it again.

The Wichita Symphony Chorus joined the Orchestra on stage after the intermission for a performance of
Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms. I had never heard of these before tonight. It’s a collection of Psalms, set to music and sung in Hebrew. A young boy sang the soprano aria in the second movement. He did a pretty good job, but I am anxious to find a recording of this set and listen to it again. It was beautiful and dramatic at varying times, depicting the emotions the psalmist communicated through his words.

The program concluded with Aaron Copland’s Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes. Full of energy and humor – well portrayed by the various instrumentalists, often with little smirks on their faces. :-)

The Orchestra surprised us with a dynamite performance of John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. What a grand evening! What a wonderful blessing to have such fine music so readily available to us. If you haven’t done so recently, you should attend a classical concert in your area. Surely it will enliven your spirit and refresh your soul!