Symphony Under the Stars

After a day and a half of steady soaking rain the State desperately needed, the clouds parted and out came the sun at exactly the right moment. With the prospect of my annual dose of ‘culture’ being in jeopardy, the weather map website had been constantly monitored to ensure my evening at the TSO’s Symphony under the Stars was going to proceed as planned.

With a bright sun shining through City Park’s stately elms, the crowd swelled as blankets, picnic chairs, tables and baskets took up every available spot of green grass. While the crowd snacked on every variety of pre-packed dinner or cheese or cracker and dip, quaffed down with a glass of red or white or just plain water, the orchestra did what they do best, delighting us all with their virtuosity under the capable direction of conductor Elena Schwarz. Solo artists Emma McGrath on violin, and Andrew Seymour on clarinet, kept us spellbound, not only with their skill, but with the emotional impact of their playing.

As the sun set and the air cooled, a light breeze stirred the leaves overhead. Stars began to appear, then the crowd quietened and settled after the interval as the stage took on a more dramatic appearance. I have to admit I’d never even heard of some of the composers featured, but I know a good night out when I see one, or have one. And I indeed did have one.

Along with several thousand people who'd obviously had a great night too, enjoying the frivolity of the traditional can-can which gets the crowd on its feet is always a fitting finale to the evening, proving you don’t have to be a high-brow classical music aficionado to appreciate good music.

Violin weaves

its magic spell
tugs at my heart strings