Winter Concert? Done.

The concert presented by the small orchestra I play with went well last night. Unexpectedly well. Many friends and neighbors were present and there was a nice sized audience.

It began with Borodin's On the Steppes of Central Asia. A quiet, interesting way to begin a concert. Next was Haydn's Piano Concerto in D Major featuring a local pianist. She received a standing ovation from the audience. Lovely. Well done. (I love to play any Haydn piece.)

The famous cookie break followed. The entire audience moved to a separate building for free cookies, coffee, tea, apple juice or water. No other orchestra I know does that!

Photo from "Fantasia's Night on Bald Mountain"

The second half featured Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain and Pictures at an Exhibition. Gongs were involved as well as lots of percussion. The young children in the audience were awake and loving all the music.

Gerry (the other bass player) and I were a bit nervous about Night on Bald Mountain. We did just fine. She had a stressful day just getting to the concert since she was flying in at 3:45 and the concert was at 7:00. Normally not a problem, except there was a problem with the plane. They waited. It was fixed then another problem and they had to switch planes. She arrived with just few minutes to spare.

During the intermission, a group of women approached me about our basses. They said they were surprised to see not only one but two women bass players. One is unusual but two?!? We had a good laugh together. They came to chat afterwards and said they are looking forward to the next concert in May. Our groupies!