July 30, 2024

I can’t possibly count the number of times I have said to myself (and others), I just wish we could do it one more time.
 
So much goes in to preparing a concert, not just the rehearsals, but the individual practice and study on the part of all of us. When it’s an opera, multiply all that by 10 at least, and multiply the reward by 10 or more, maybe 100. There is nothing like opera.
 
Last night, in a tribute to our dear Marlena Malas whom we lost at the end of 2023, we did a performance of some music from Der Rosenkavalier of Strauss and Rota’s very engaging one-act opera I due Timidi. Marlena would have been so pleased and proud of the artistry and professionalism of all of her students who graced that stage last night. It was such a joy to make music (and drama!) with them.
 
I just wish we could do it one more time.
 
Not because it didn’t go well, it did. It was fantastic. I want to do it again to have one more chance to enjoy the fruits of our labors, one more opportunity to be immersed in the music and the experience. But, that is not in the cards…on to the next program, and that’s exciting too.
 
Next for me, a symphony from Rachmaninoff and a work by an emerging American composer! My conducting fellow, Samuel Hollister will take the orchestra through one of Strauss’ tone poems.
 
NEXT UP
 
August 5, 2024
 
Music School Festival Orchestra
Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater
8:15 p.m.
 
Gala FLAGELLO     Bravado
STRAUSS    Death and Transfiguration
RACHMANINOFF     Symphony No. 3