For the first time in a long time
This weekend I played in a really fun concert. It was a halloween program. A lot of us orchestra members dressed in costume including yours truly. A lot of audience members dressed up too. We played in our larger hall which was not filled to capacity but at least as large as the audiences at our regular symphony concerts.
It was so simple
It was nice to hear children’s voices, laughing and otherwise audibly responding to the music. There wasn’t a lot of talking or complicated pieces that needed to be explained. As an orchestra member, I felt like there was just enough rehearsal time to put the program together. It wasn’t a perfect performance but I don’t think the audience really cared. They just wanted to have fun.
Less explaining please
Maybe it’s time to question why we play programs that need to be explained in order for the audience to understand why we’re playing them. I feel that as a musician I need this as well. All too often we feel as though we are over played and under rehearsed. Let’s get back to playing music and leave the sorting out of complexities to coders and shrinks.
Violinist Linda Beers is the creator of the Inspiration for Violinists, a 50 card deck. Each card has a unique image and text inspiring musicianship, mindfulness and spirituality.