I can finally tick off one of things that would be in my ‘Stuff I Really Want To Do!’ list – if such a thing existed. For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to go to see a live orchestra, and last night I did exactly that.
The British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra came to Truro to play a ‘Strauss Gala Concert’, and with my love of the New Years Day concert from Vienna at the Musikverein, it was a no-brainer. If you’ve never seen it, I recommend you tune in to BBC2 at around lunchtime on New Years Day and use it to sooth your hangover. The setting is amazing and the music (if you like classical) is a real treat. The Strauss/Vienna connection meant I knew I was going to know a lot of the music and I wasn’t disappointed.
I was surprised by just how close to the stage we were sat, and it meant I could indulge myself in something I love doing – watching people really skilled at what they do. It doesn’t matter what it is, watching someone excel at what they do always blows me away. I was sat within spitting distance of first violinist and watching them play was fantastic. The music was incredible to hear performed live, and flawlessly with it. I got to hear the pieces I wanted to, including the Champagne Polka, the Pizzicato Polka and of course, The Blue Danube (An der schönen blauen Donau). There was a compere who did a good job of keeping the crowd amused with stories and readings, and singing from a Baritone, Tenor and Soprano which all added to the evening.
I managed to get a rum and a JD & Coke down my neck during the interval to keep warm (it was cold!), and it was then that I realised that we had to be the youngest people in the building by about 40 years! I don’t really mind, it was nice to be able to get to the bar easily while the rest of the audience had a nice sit down somewhere ;). I really want to go and see a MASSIVE orchestra somewhere now, but for the time being I can at least say I’ve participated in the clapping along with the Radetzky March (again, watch the end of the NYD concert to see what I mean) :).