My first symphony

[Taco John]

I took my wife to the symphony this past weekend. It was the first time I've ever been. I've always wanted to check one out, but never acted on it until this past January when I noticed that there would be a mozart concerto, and decided that it would be a nice romantic evening out with my wife... a nice break from the baby, bath, bedtime routine (though we very much love that routine for it's own merits :) ).

It was a tremendous experience. I didn't care for the Bela Bartok piece they did to break the evening in, but when they played the Mozart piece, I couldn't wipe the smile from my face. I was absolutely mesmerized the entire time. There's absolutely nothing like being there in person with the music bouncing off the walls, and the whole spectacle of the music being played right there in front of you. It's something I would definitely consider doing again.

Here is a sample of what I experienced from the very lady who did the clarinet solo for the performance that I attended. Her name is Sharon Kam, and she was wonderful:

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[Jana®]

Wow. I never could get into the symphony, but that's impressive.

[worm]

Very Cool. Which concerto was it?

IMO Mozart is the easiest composer for a first time concert goer to digest. A lot of his music should have been recognizable to you and his clarinet concertos are legendary.

If you find a soloist that you really enjoy like Kam...expand to hearing her with other composers work...specifically clarinet concertos. You will get hooked!

[Taco John]

I listen to a lot of Mozart actually. We actually share the same birthday, so I've always had a sort of affinity towards him. It was the clarinet concerto that I went to - the one she is playing in the linked video. It was a different orchestra though.

It was a very enjoyable diversion. I'd like to get to another one sometime... :)

[Spider]

How were the steel guitars and fiddles ? ;D
anyone bring a banjo ?

[Bronco Billy]

Vivaldi's probably my favorite, but I've never been to a symphony or orchestra. Does Trans-Siberian Orchestra count?