Perks...

The boss and his wife have been season ticket holders of the KC Symphony for several years now, and every once in a while it happens that they cannot attend a show. Yesterday was one such occasion, and I was one such lucky assistant that received the tickets in their stead! I have lived in KC since 1992 and have never attended, much to my embarrassment and shame. But, last night this was corrected, and off I went with my fellow staff-mate and friend Reba, who loves all things art by the way. Before the show, being the good, thoughtful assistant that I am :), I carefully read the First Timer's Guide to be informed of what to do and not do, so as not to bring shame upon the good name of the regulars whose seat I was in. :) On a serious note though, I do believe it is always good to gather as much information as possible of the etiquette expected wherever you're attending, so we're respectful and not offensive - what a testimony to leave behind otherwise!

So, we got dressed up and headed downtown to the Lyric Theatre. We got a perfect parking spot, thanks to following the First-Timer's suggestion of arriving 30-40min early. :) Walked in the theatre and were ushered kindly to our AMAZING seats. What a view! It fully clicked that I was in for an experience by that point. Reba and I chatted and chatted, and before we knew it, they were dimming the lights to begin (oops, didn't read the program to be better informed, next time). I took a quick survey of the audience, saw we were by far the minority age group, but didn't let that deter my expectation of enjoying what was about to happen. 

The etiquette in the orchestra was beautiful to watch...how they came out, got ready, the signals they gave each other, the entering of the conductor (wow, I'm tearing up), his greetings to them, to us, to the first chair....and then it began! It was as if they were preparing us, ushering us into what was about to happen, and it worked, I was hooked! What is going to happen next? Who is going to do what and what does that mean for everyone else? Beautiful. They then played us a beautiful Italian serenade, and I, well, melted. Absolute love at first sight. Then came the guest pianist, Mr. James Tocco. They again go through their etiquette, and with an amazing signal by the conductor that something is coming, the beautiful love story began (how can music tell a story like that??!!). Mr. Tocco's fingers looked like they were disconnected from his body, the conductor, down to the very hairs on his head, was absolutely lost in the story, and all the members of the orchestra were fully engaged in what they were sharing with us. It was passion. It was sweet. It was intense. It was bitter. It was peaceful. It was...over! What did that last measure (is that the correct term?) mean? Did they end up together? Did one die? I like happy endings, what happened with their story? Reba said that's the beauty of it all. Sigh. Well, I was so engaged in the story that I barely noticed time go by and intermission came. I couldn't get up, I was so lost in my thoughts of what happened, how I related to that story. Wow. I had to get up though, the lady next to me was standing, ready, waiting. Ahhh, they should have written that in the First-Timer's Guide: you must get up immediately at intermission. But, remembering Reba and I wanted to enjoy some wine together, I snapped out of it and got up. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face though, what a story, what passion. We chatted and chatted as we waited in line for our wine. Had our toast to a lovely night out, and barely made it through half the glass before it was time to go back in. Why can't we take it in? I know, I know, etiquette, but still, I would have loved to have continued sipping my wine in the second half.

More lovely behaviors to watch by the orchestra...lovely. Then the conductor came back out and led us into the second half, this time with a guest violist, Ms. Grossman. They began (continued?) the story, with a much more mature, calm and peaceful perspective with very subtle hints of intensity. I felt relaxed, but not as excited. If the story was meant to be continuous, I'm not ready for the second half yet. :) Reba said life can't be full of intensity all the time, else we'll all die young, so true. :) But, I AM young right now, and enjoy the excitement mixed in with the peace, not vice versa yet. I want to feel alive! :) The show then closed and I couldn't help but want more, another story please? What I wanted MORE though, was to meet the incredible conductor, Mr. Michael Stern. He was the most intriguing to watch. His body language told a story all by itself, and his display of etiquette was so gentlemanly and appealing. He made such an impact on me!!! I asked my seat-mate, the one waiting on me to get up at intermission, if she was a regular and if she knew if it was possible to meet Mr. Stern so I could thank him for such a wonderful experience. She said I could send him a note. Got it, another rule I don't favor, but will respect of course. I settled for his picture.

Had to post even though it's blurry, he's my new love! :)

Mr. Michael Stern, sigh.

All in all, an absolute perfect evening with an absolute perfect date. :) Thanks boss; thanks Rebs!!!