Boston Philharmonic

[xela]

Just got home from the Boston Philharmonic concert at Sanders Theater. Which was fantastic, as always, but I'm too tired to write a review. Save to say that their "Discovery Series" concerts are a real bargain. Not because of the discount, which is only a tad off the regular ticket price. But because at a Discovery Series concert, their justly legendary conductor, Benjamin Zander, gives little talks in the middle of the concert. Talks about the piece we're about to hear, in which he'll introduce the themes and the movements, turning to the orchestra and calling out individual players to show off their instrument's moment in the sun. Or mentioning that tonight's soloist is the only living student of the legendary artist for whom the piece she's about to play was written. And just generally sharing his infectious enthusiasm with the audience. And for that, we pay less?!?

(No, the concert didn't run so late I couldn't have been home before midnight — it let out around 10:00. But I felt so energized after that I decided to walk about halfway home, and the MBTA's lameness inserted a half-hour wait into what should have been a much shorter trip.)

Comments

[pwaa.livejournal.com]

If what you like is the commentary, most classical music concerts usually have a pre-concert lecture (given by the conductor and/or composer-in-residence who has a piece on the program) which is free and open to the public. It might take some doing to figure out which concerts have them and when exactly they're scheduled (usually it's about an hour before the concert itself) but you might find it worth it to start attending those. :)

[goldsquare.livejournal.com]

Have you seen Zander's TED talk? If not: do.

[kareila]

I recently attended an Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra concert which did this, presumably because the younger audience was assumed to require additional interaction to alleviate boredom. For the "grown-up" concerts I've seen lately, about half the time the composer of the featured work is in the audience or on the stage as a performer, and will offer comments. Pre-concert lectures are also common, although I'm never early enough to attend those.

I do love symphony concerts. I'm a little sore at the moment because the ASO's music director just announced he's leaving his position next year, and he's been truly wonderful. I hope they can attract someone just as talented to replace him.