Last night was the first concert of our “mini-pack” of Oregon Symphony tickets. Both having been former band and orchestra geeks in school - we decided it was time to expand our musical outings to include something of the classical nature instead of just our usual diet of rock, garage and punk shows. Not having a huge budget to do so, we opted for the half-season package, which by purchasing the week after the first concert, leaves us with 6 concerts to attend - and very reasonably priced. And after last night we know it was well worth it.

It was simply outstanding - the first piece was an orchestrated excerpt of an opera that had been originally based on a Czech comic strip from the 1920’s. Lively and fun and powerful - you could feel the symphony’s passion for the music. The second piece featured a violin soloist who looked as if she herself could have taken flight during the performance. And the finale - Brahms 4th Symphony had Carlos actually dancing on the conductor’s riser during the 3rd movement.

I don’t have much knowledge of classical music, I just enjoying listening to it - but anyone who says its dull needs to go and check out our own Symphony - because with Carlos at the helm - I don’t think these fine musicians could be dull for a moment.

The final performance of this particular program is Monday evening at 8 pm - and being that the concerts are held at the Schnitz - even the cheapest of seats are good seats.

Now if only we could get people to stop dropping their programs every time the music moves to a pianissimo.

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3. I Don’t Miss Classical Music on OPB Radio
4. Free Symphony & Fireworks!
5. Concert etiquette?