Concerts

I've been a little delinquent in blogging since returning from London. But I hit a pretty stressful week of concerts, reports, and lots of challenges. Next week I go to Louisiana for an evaluation.

Monday night began with a tremendous musical experience--Nielson and Young. This well-known duo has spent years playing concerts in churches and auditoriums all over the world. Often playing piano duets, they have also recorded extensively on the piano and organ. It was one of the finest concerts I have heard. Their sublime artistry and grace were matched with their professional demeanor and extraordinary musical gifts. Hymns, songs arrangements, and art music were delivered with beauty and musicianship the entire evening.

But only 75 people were present.

Tuesday we heard an incredible brass quintet--Synergy Brass. Their variety of genres, their wildly advanced technique, and their engaging personality on stage came together to provide the energized audience with music that seemed to send shimmering waves of joy into the fabric of people present.

About 125 people were present.

Thursday night we heard a bassoon recital. Chelsea Murphree is an impressive talent receiving a minor in music. She did not have to do a recital but wanted to and what a nice performance it was! Music by Villa-Lobos, Weber, and me were played with energy, expressiveness, and accuracy. She is a gifted young lady who keeps a smile on her face, providing model leadership for other students and applying herself completely to excellence in all areas of her life. I enjoyed writing music for her and hearing it performed so well was a treat. My piece was a light-hearted but quite challenging mix of gospel/jazz with a hint of pop style in the middle section. Mainly just fun!

About 85 people were present.

Friday night the music department did a movies concert. We played and sang various selections from famous movies including My Fair Lady, E.T., Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, Pink Panther, Schindler's List, Pinocchio, Shawshank Redemption, The Mission, and Carousel. Rather than just performing movie themes, we also added a commentary to give it an academic purpose. The response was overwhelming as people seemed moved by the music and the information provided. Unlike other performances, we used some visuals, video, narration, and a touch of theatre to enhance the musical offering. This level of arts integration and collaboration is unusual but necessary in today's world.

About 150 were present.

Where are our concert audiences? What can we do to encourage live performance? Should we continue to push for more collaboration, more variety, less classical, more inclusive? It is difficult for trained classical musicians to branch out beyond the scope of their sophisticated training. Yet when we do so, we tend to get greater response from people. Is there a balance? Sure and we don't always find it. But as musicians our goal is not to satisfy ourselves (although to an extent, all of us need that as well) with high academic art, but rather to use our gifts to reach people, to provide others with a musical and emotional experience. Somehow we have forgotten our audience. Time to bring music to the people and for the people.

But every now and then, give me some Mozart please! I need that as well.